Uses
Lesinurad is used in combination with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor to treat hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid) in people with gout (sudden attacks of redness, swelling, pain, and heat in one or more joints) whose disease is not controlled with their current medication.
Lesinurad is in a class of medications called selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitors. It works by helping the kidneys to remove uric acid from the body.
Side Effects Of Lesinurad
Lesinurad may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, sweating, muscle aches, and tiredness
- heartburn
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- weakness in one part or side of their body
- slurred speech
Lesinurad may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking lesinurad:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lesinurad, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lesinurad tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone), amlodipine (Norvasc), aspirin, carbamazepine (Epitol, Equetro, Teril, others), fluconazole (Diflucan), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), or valproic acid (Depakene). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with lesinurad, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the WARNING section, tumor lysis syndrome (a condition that causes cancer cells to break down quickly and release byproducts into the blood), or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (an inherited disease that causes high levels of uric acid in the blood). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take lesinurad.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a stroke, a heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, shots, implants, and intrauterine devices) may not work well when used with lesinurad and should not be used as your only method of birth control. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you become pregnant while taking lesinurad, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Lesinurad
Lesinurad comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning with food and water. Take lesinurad at around the same time every day and at the same time that you take a xanthine oxidase inhibitor such as allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim) or febuxostat (Uloric). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lesinurad exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Lesinurad controls hyperuricemia in people with gout but does not cure it. Your gout may flare up (intense painful, swelling joint) when you first start taking lesinurad, but do not stop taking it. Your doctor will give you other medications to help prevent gout flares. Continue to take lesinurad even if you feel well or have a gout attack. Do not stop taking lesinurad without talking to your doctor.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
