Uloric is a gout medication that contains febuxostat and is used to prevent uric acid levels from rising too high in people who suffer from gout. Febuxostat works by reducing the amount of uric acid which is produced by your body as a build-up of uric acid can cause symptoms of gout. Uloric is normally only prescribed for people who cannot take allopurinol or when allopurinol has stopped working.

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

• Uloric may be taken with or without food.
• You may take this medication with an antacid if needed.
• When you first start taking Uloric, you may have an increase in flares of gout symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to use alongside Uloric during the initial six months of treatment.
• Your doctor may want you to have frequent blood tests while taking Uloric.
• Speak to 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 kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, stroke or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.
• If you have ever had an organ transplant.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• If you are breast-feeding. It may not be safe to breast-feed while taking Uloric.

Other information you should also know:

• Uloric may increase your risk of serious or fatal heart problems.
• You may have an increase in gout symptom flares when you begin taking Uloric.

Common side effects of Uloric:

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

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

• Lightheadedness or the feeling that you might pass out.
• Symptoms of a serious drug reaction including fever, muscle aches, skin rash, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or jaundice. This reaction can happen several weeks after you start using Uloric.
• Signs of a liver problem including dark urine, unusual tiredness, jaundice or pain in the upper right side of your stomach.
• Signs of a severe skin reaction including sore throat fever, burning in your eyes, skin pain or a red or purple skin rash which spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
• Stroke symptoms including slurred speech, severe headache, vision problems, balance problems or sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of your body.
• Heart attack symptoms including shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain or pressure or a pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder.
• 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.

What is the generic alternative to Uloric?

Generic Uloric is known as febuxostat and is available in 40mg and 80mg. Only brand name Uloric is available in 120mg.