How effective is sazo for joint pains?

Q: I am a patient of ankylosing spondylosis HLA B 27+ve. I am on Sazo En for the last one year. I am 38 years old now. This problem happened some 15 years back. I have frequent iritis, even after taking sazo, though joint pains are not there. How far is sazo effective?. I have hammer toes in both feet.

A:Sazo En is the brand name of sulphasalazine which is the standard therapy for ankylosing spondylosis that do not respond to NSAIDs. It does not cause any problem in the eye. Ankylsoing spondylosis itself involves eyes in the form of acute anterior uveitis and iritis. This problem can be managed by the use of steroids combined with mydriatic agents such as Atrisolon (Andre).