Uloric (febuxostat) is a gout medication that is typically prescribed for people who cannot take allopurinol or when allopurinol has stopped working. Febuxostat prevents uric acid levels from rising too high by reducing the amount of uric acid produced by your body. A build-up of uric acid can cause symptoms of gout.

Always read the medication information and instructions before using this medication.
Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Uloric can be taken with or without food and is often taken with an antacid.
• Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests while you take this medication.
• You may have an increase in flares of gout symptoms when you first start taking this medication. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to use with Uloric during the initial six months of treatment.
• Tell your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after six months.

Make sure to tell your doctor:

• If you have any drug or other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history especially of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or if you have ever had an organ transplant.
• If you are pregnant or planning on pregnancy.

Other information you should also know:

• Breast-feeding while taking Uloric may not be safe. Speak to your doctor for more information.
• You may have an increase in gout symptom flares when you begin taking febuxostat. Your doctor may prescribe you another medication to take alongside Uloric for the first few months.
• Uloric may increase your risk of fatal or serious heart problems. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Common side effects of Uloric:

• Gout flares.
• Abnormal liver function test results.
• Nausea.
• Joint pain.
• Mild rash.

If you have any of the following febuxostat side effects, seek medical help:

• Feeling lightheaded or like you might pass out.
• Signs of a heart attack such as a fast heartbeat, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath or a pain which spreads to your jaw or shoulder.
• Signs of a serious drug reaction which may happen several weeks after you start using Uloric. Signs include flu-like symptoms, severe weakness, fever, muscle aches, skin rash, swollen glands, unusual bruising or jaundice.
• Signs of a severe skin reaction such as a red or purple rash which causes blistering, peeling and spreads, fever, skin pain, sore throat or a burning in your eyes.
• Signs of a stroke such as a sudden numbness or weakness, especially to one side of the body, severe headache, slurred speech or vision or balance problems.
• Signs of a liver problem such as unusual tiredness, jaundice, dark urine or a pain in the upper right side of your stomach.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Uloric?

If you miss a dose of Uloric, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose.

Why is my doctor prescribing me other medications alongside Uloric?

When you initially start taking Uloric, you may have an increase in flares of your gout symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe you other medication to take with Uloric to combat this for the first six months.