About Salsalate

People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
(other than aspirin) such as salsalate may have a higher risk of having
a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these
medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause
death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long
time. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever
had heart disease, heart failure, a heart attack, or a stroke; if you
smoke; and if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, or diabetes. Get emergency medical help right away if you
experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, shortness of
breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech.

If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type
of heart surgery), you should not take salsalate right before or right
after the surgery.

NSAIDs such as salsalate may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the
stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during
treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The
risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older
in age, have poor health, smoke, or drink large amounts of alcohol while
taking salsalate. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following
medications: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin
(Coumadin); aspirin; other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and
naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or oral steroids such as dexamethasone
(Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone
(Deltasone). Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers,
bleeding in your stomach or intestines, or other bleeding disorders. If
you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking salsalate and
call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting a substance that is
bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and
tarry stools.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor
will monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably order certain
tests to check your body's response to salsalate. Be sure to tell your
doctor how you are feeling so that your doctor can prescribe the right
amount of medication to treat your condition with the lowest risk of
serious side effects.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient
information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with
salsalate and each time you refill your prescription. Read the
information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
website (http://www.fda.gov/cder) or the manufacturer's website to
obtain the Medication Guide.