Zeesaz DS Tablet

Zeesaz DS Tablet treats rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, discomfort, and swelling by lowering the patient's immune system response. It is given in the dose and frequency that suits your condition. This will be decided by the doctor. You must carefully follow your doctor's recommendations and notify him or her if you have any annoying side effects after taking this medication.

Introduction

Zeesaz DS Tablet is a prescription medicine that contains the disease‑modifying anti‑rheumatic drug (DMARD) sulfasalazine in a high‑strength 1000 mg dose. It is commonly used to control pain, swelling and stiffness in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. By dampening the overactive immune response and reducing chemical messengers that trigger inflammation, Zeesaz DS helps prevent progressive joint and bowel damage. The once‑ or twice‑daily tablet is usually given when first‑line therapies are not enough, or when long‑term control is needed. Always take it exactly as directed by your doctor and never stop abruptly without medical advice.

Uses of Zeesaz DS Tablet

• Rheumatoid arthritis (adult and juvenile)
• Ankylosing spondylitis and other seronegative spondyloarthropathies
• Ulcerative colitis—induction and maintenance of remission
• Crohn’s colitis when 5‑ASA alone is inadequate
• Other immune‑mediated inflammatory disorders as advised by a specialist

How Zeesaz DS Tablet works

Sulfasalazine is a pro‑drug that is split by gut bacteria into sulfapyridine and 5‑aminosalicylic acid (5‑ASA). These active metabolites block cyclo‑oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, lowering prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause swelling. They also inhibit nuclear factor‑κB and tumor necrosis factor‑α, calming the immune cells that mistakenly attack joints and intestinal lining. The combined anti‑inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions gradually relieve symptoms and slow structural damage over time for sustained overall control.

Benefits of Zeesaz DS Tablet

• Relieves joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness
• Helps maintain remission of inflammatory bowel disease
• Slows progression of joint and intestinal damage
• Steroid‑sparing, reducing long‑term steroid side effects
• High‑strength tablet simplifies dosing to once or twice daily
• Generally affordable compared with newer biologic drugs

How to take Zeesaz DS Tablet

• Swallow the tablet whole after food with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew.
• Typical adult dose: start with 500 mg once or twice daily, then increase to 1 g (one tablet) 2–3 times daily as tolerated (maximum 3 g/day).
• Your doctor may prescribe folic acid and gradually titrate the dose to reduce stomach upset.
• Take the medicine at the same times each day to maintain steady levels.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one—never double up.
• Regular blood, liver and kidney tests are required during therapy.

Side effects of Zeesaz DS Tablet

• Common: nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, headache, dizziness, mild rash, orange‑yellow urine or skin.
• Severe (seek medical help): high fever, severe skin reactions (Stevens‑Johnson syndrome), shortness of breath, persistent sore throat or bruising (blood disorders), liver injury (dark urine, jaundice), kidney problems, severe abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

Safety advice

• Do not use if you are allergic to sulfonamides, salicylates or sulfasalazine itself.
• Inform your doctor if you have glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, liver/kidney disease, asthma or porphyria.
• Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed; folic acid supplementation is recommended. Avoid in late pregnancy unless advised.
• Sulfasalazine passes into breast milk—monitor breast‑fed infants for diarrhoea or jaundice.
• Limit alcohol to reduce additional liver strain.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing; the drug may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• Stop the medicine and seek care immediately if you develop a widespread rash, peeling skin, breathlessness or unexplained bleeding.
• May cause dizziness—avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does Zeesaz DS take to work?
A: Anti‑inflammatory effects usually appear after 2–4 weeks, with full benefits in 8–12 weeks. Keep taking it as prescribed even if you do not feel immediate relief.

Q: Can I stop Zeesaz DS once I feel better?
A: No. Stopping suddenly can cause a flare‑up of symptoms. Only reduce or stop the dose after consulting your doctor.

Q: Is Zeesaz DS safe with other arthritis medicines?
A: It is often used alongside methotrexate or low‑dose steroids. Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements to avoid interactions.

Q: Does Zeesaz DS cause infertility?
A: Sulfasalazine may lower sperm count temporarily in some men; fertility usually recovers 2‑3 months after stopping the drug.

Q: What monitoring tests do I need?
A: Complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests every 2–4 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 3 months or as advised.