Uloric is a prescription medicine called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the production of uric acid in your body. Uric acid buildup can lead to gout or kidney stones.
Uloric is used to treat high blood concentrations of uric acid in patients with gout.
Uloric may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Uloric if you are allergic to febuxostat, or if you are also being treated with azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol), or theophylline (Elixophyllin, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl).
Before taking Uloric, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a history of heart attack or stroke, or if you have ever received an organ transplant.
You may have an increase in gout symptom flares when you first start taking Uloric. For best results, keep taking the medication as directed. Your doctor may prescribe other gout medications for you to use during the first 6 months of treatment with Uloric.
To be sure Uloric is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Uloric?
You should not use Uloric if you are allergic to febuxostat, or if you are being treated with the any of the following medications:
To make sure you can safely take Uloric, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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heart disease
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a history of heart attack or stroke;
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cancer;
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Lesch-Nyhan syndrome; or
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if you have ever received an organ transplant (kidney, liver, lung, heart).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Uloric will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication It is not known whether febuxostat passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Uloric?
Take Uloric exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose of Uloric to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may have an increase in gout symptom flares when you first start taking Uloric. For best results, keep taking the medication as directed. Your doctor may prescribe other gout medications for you to use during the first 6 months of treatment with Uloric.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store Uloric at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of Uloric is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Uloric.
Uloric side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Uloric: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
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sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Uloric side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Uloric?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially theophylline (Elixophyllin, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl).
There may be other drugs that can interact with Uloric. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
