Salsalate
Salsalate (SAL sa late) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of arthritis. Salsalate belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Salsalate (SAL sa late) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of arthritis. Salsalate belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 750mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on August 24, 2023
Salsalate (SAL sa late) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of arthritis. Salsalate belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Boxed warnings
Salsalate has boxed warnings about the risks of serious cardiovascular and digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for salsalate” section.
FAQs
Common questions about salsalate
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about salsalate.
How does salsalate compare with aspirin or ibuprofen?
Salsalate is similar to aspirin and ibuprofen but has a few key differences. All three medications belong to the same group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They all work by reducing inflammation (swelling) in the body.
A key difference is that aspirin and ibuprofen are available over the counter. Salsalate requires a prescription from your doctor.
Another difference is that aspirin and ibuprofen are commonly used to treat fevers. Salsalate isn’t typically used for this purpose.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how salsalate compares with other medications.
Can I get salsalate over the counter?
No. Salsalate is a prescription drug, it’s not available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Your doctor will need to prescribe this medication to you.
Some people take OTC pain medications to treat pain caused by arthritis. Examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol Arthritis Pain) and naproxen (Aleve).
If you have questions about how salsalate compares with OTC medications for arthritis pain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is salsalate a ‘narcotic’?
No, salsalate isn’t a narcotic. Narcotics are also called opioid pain relievers. Examples of narcotics include oxycodone and morphine. These drugs are controlled substances. (A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse.)
Narcotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe pain that isn’t relieved by other types of medications. In some cases, doctors may prescribe narcotics if your arthritis pain becomes severe and NSAIDs or other medications aren’t helping. Salsalate is an NSAID.
If you have questions about salsalate or narcotics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does salsalate work? And how long does it take to start working?
After you take salsalate, your body converts the drug to salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works by preventing the body from producing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural chemicals involved in inflammation. When less prostaglandins are produced, inflammation in the body decreases. When this occurs, the symptoms related to inflammation, such as pain or swelling, should ease or go away.
Salsalate begins working right away but takes a few days to provide its full effects. Most people will begin to experience relief within 3–4 days of starting salsalate treatment.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of salsalate
Uses for salsalate are described below.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved salsalate. This is because the drug has been available since before the FDA began its drug approval process. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Use for certain types of arthritis
Doctors may prescribe salsalate for treating certain types of arthritis. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Specifically, doctors prescribe salsalate to treat rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
With rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This leads to inflammation (swelling) and joint damage. Symptoms may include:
- joint pain
- joint swelling
- stiffness
- fever
With osteoarthritis, wear and tear on joints leads to inflammation and damage. Symptoms may include:
- bone spurs
- crepitus (grating or clicking noises when joints move)
- joint pain
- joint stiffness
Side effects
Side effects of salsalate
Salsalate may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of salsalate and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about salsalate’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for salsalate listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of salsalate are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of salsalate you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about salsalate’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for salsalate listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Salsalate oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- reversible* hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears or reduced hearing ability
- nausea
- skin rash
- vertigo
- mild allergic reaction†
* “Reversible” means that the side effect is temporary and goes away soon after treatment ends.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for salsalate” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of salsalate are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about salsalate’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for salsalate listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, salsalate’s serious side effects include:
- high blood pressure
- edema (swelling due to fluid buildup)
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- anemia (low level of red blood cells)
- boxed warnings: risk of serious cardiovascular and digestive problems*
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for salsalate” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for salsalate
Below, you’ll find information about salsalate’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of salsalate
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take salsalate, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for salsalate” section below.
Warnings for salsalate
Some people should not take salsalate, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warnings
Salsalate has boxed warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular and digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Salsalate increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. (“Cardiovascular” refers to the heart and blood vessels.)
Serious cardiovascular problems were rare in studies of salsalate. But the risk may increase in people who take salsalate long-term or those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions.
If you have concerns about potential cardiovascular problems with salsalate, talk with your doctor.
Risk of serious digestive problems. When taking salsalate, a person may experience serious digestive problems. Possible digestive problems include bleeding, ulcers, or perforation (tearing) of the stomach or intestines.
This side effect is associated with all , including salsalate. People ages 65 years and older can usually be at an increased risk of having serious digestive problems with salsalate. Rarely, this side effect can lead to death.
If you have questions about your risk of serious digestive problems, talk with your doctor.
Other warnings
Salsalate could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether salsalate is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for salsalate, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Salsalate can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to salsalate or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe salsalate. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to salsalate, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of salsalate
You should not take more salsalate than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much salsalate, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and salsalate
Information about salsalate and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Salsalate and pregnancy
Salsalate should not be taken during the later stages of pregnancy (week 20 or after).
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about arthritis treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide on a safe treatment plan to follow during this time.
Salsalate and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether salsalate should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know whether you have questions about salsalate or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I continue to take my other medications while taking salsalate?
- How can I reduce my risk of side effects while taking salsalate?
- Besides taking medication, what else can I do to help ease my arthritis symptoms?
Resources
Resources
- Salsalate tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5bed51ee-96fb-4621-8d2c-8f034d04645a/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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