Salsalate for Other Diseases and More Cautions

Part 2 of 3 parts


Because salsalate if being required to undergo testing for cardiac safety, it seems obvious that this has not been done for prior approvals for other diseases. These diseases and health conditions include cancer, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,bursitis, foot pain, and arthritis. It is also used to treat pediatric Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


Salsalate (Amigesic, Salflex, Argesic-SA, Marthritic, Salsitab, Artha-GDisalcid, Disalcid)(Note: Disalcid is no longer available in the U.S.) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). Never use these NSAIDs when a woman is considering pregnancy or pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor and under a doctor's close supervision. Nursing mothers should stop nursing while taking salsalate or use alternate drugs. This is because salicylic acid appears in breast milk at levels close to maternal blood levels and this may cause adverse effects in the infant.


Yes, I have repeated some information from part 1 because this is important. Presently salsalate is as strong as aspirin in reducing inflammation, but it has less effect on blood clotting than aspirin does. Salsalate is available by prescription in tablets of 500 mg and 750 mg.


Store salsalate at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F.) and it is wise to store it in a dry place, meaning bathrooms and kitchens are out. The usual dose is 3000 mg daily and this is done two to four times over the day. Always take salsalate with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not add aspirin to salsalate as this will cause salicylic acid toxicity.


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including salsalate) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. This effect does not apply to low-dose aspirin. The risk may be greater in people with heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (e.g., due to high blood pressure, diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Also, this drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This bleeding can occur without warning symptoms at any time during treatment. Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: chest pain, severe dizziness, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Bold on diabetes above is my emphasis and helps explain why it is going through the additional cardiac testing.


This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests, thyroid hormone levels), possibly causing false test results