This medicine is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for long-term treatment of high levels of uric acid in the blood in patients with gout.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN EXTRA PATIENT LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if are taking azathioprine, didanosine, or mercaptopurine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking theophylline. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver or kidney problems, a history of heart problems (eg, heart attack) or stroke, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you do not have symptoms caused by high blood uric acid levels. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have high blood uric acid levels caused by a condition other than gout (eg, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, cancer or treatment for cancer, organ transplant). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include joint pain or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blood in the urine or stools; chest, jaw, or arm pain; confusion; coughing or vomiting blood; decrease in amount of urine produced; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hearing loss; mental or mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; shortness of breath; slurred speech; stomach pain; sudden, severe nausea or vomiting; symptoms of high or low blood pressure (eg, headache, dizziness, tiredness, weakness); symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; right-sided stomach pain; loss of appetite; unusual nausea or tiredness); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual sweating or weakness; or vision problems (eg, blurred vision). AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.