Uloric is used for:

Treating high levels of uric acid in the blood in patients with gout.

Uloric is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body (xanthine oxidase), which lowers levels of uric acid in the blood. This helps to prevent gout flare-ups.

Do NOT use Uloric if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Uloric
• you are taking azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or theophylline
• you have malignant disease or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome

Before using Uloric :

Some medical conditions may interact with Uloric . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart attack) or stroke
• if you have secondary hyperuricemia or if you have received an organ transplant

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Uloric . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following

• Azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and theophylline because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Uloric

How to use Uloric :

Use Uloric as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Uloric . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Uloric by mouth with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Uloric , 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.

Important safety information:

• Uloric may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Uloric with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Some patients may experience a gout flare-up when they start taking Uloric . Your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine to take to help control or prevent a gout flare-up. Do not stop taking this medication if you experience a gout flare-up without talking to your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney, liver, and heart function, may be performed while you use Uloric . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Uloric with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Uloric should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Uloric while you are pregnant. It is not known if Uloric is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Uloric , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Uloric :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Joint pain; nausea.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain or discomfort; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; pale stools; signs of high or low blood pressure (eg, headache, dizziness, tiredness, weakness); one sided weakness; shortness of breath; slurred speech; stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.