Uloric

Uloric is a Xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout.

This drug works by preventing the Oxidation xanthine and Hypoxanthine resulting to reduced uric acid production in the body. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Uloric, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

• Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of Febuxostat have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of Febuxostat.
• Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women and animals are still inadequate.
• Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Azathioprine,
• Mercaptopurine
• Theophylline

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as history heart attack or stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, secondary hyperuricemia, or malignant disease.

Proper usage of Uloric requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

You can take this drug with or without food, and with antacids. You may have more gout attacks during the initial treatment with this drug. You may be advised to take other drugs such as Colchicine or pain drugs to help prevent these gout attacks.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

• Adults with hyperuricemia are initially given 40 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare professional may increase your dose if needed. The dose must not exceed 80 mg per day.
• Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Uloric, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness and unwanted effects of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened by blood tests. 

Taking azathioprine (AzasanВ®, ImuranВ®) or mercaptopurine (PurinetholВ®) is not recommended while taking this drug to prevent any serious medical problems.

This drug may increase your risk of having serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you start having chest pain, trouble with breathing, sudden or a severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking.

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Uloric. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• abdominal or stomach fullness or pain, arm, back or jaw pain
• black, tarry stools
• bloody nose
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• cough
• dark urine
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• the difficulty with moving
• dizziness, dry mouth, fainting
• fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
• the feeling of fullness
• fever gaseous abdominal or stomach pain
• general tiredness and weakness
• headache
• heavier menstrual periods
• inability to speak
• the increase in heart rate
• increased thirst
• itching
• joint pain
• stiffness, or swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• loss of bladder control
• muscle aching or cramping
• nausea and vomiting
• nervousness
• pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• rapid breathing
• rash, redness of the skin
• right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness
• runny nose
• seizures
• a severe or a sudden headache
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• slow or fast heartbeat
• slurred speech
• a sore throat, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sunken eyes, sweating, swelling
• temporary blindness
• thirst
• tightness in the chest
• trouble sleeping
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body
• sudden and severe weight gain
• wheezing
• wrinkled skin
• yellow eyes and skin
• blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin
• diarrhea
• the difficulty with swallowing
• hives
• muscle cramps or spasms
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue,
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center red, or irritated eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.