Sulfinpyrazone capsules

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What are Sulfinpyrazone capsules?

SULFINPYRAZONE (Anturane®) helps to remove excess uric acid from the body. Too much uric acid can cause gout or gouty arthritis. Sulfinpyrazone is not a cure for gout, and it is not used to treat an attack of gout once it has started. Sulfinpyrazone can prevent future gouty attacks as long as you continue to take it. Certain illnesses or medications can cause an increase in uric acid. Sulfinpyrazone can help to reduce the risk of complications (such as kidney stones) that can occur if uric acid levels in the blood are too high (hyperuricemia). Generic sulfinpyrazone capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood disorders or disease
• hepatic disease
• kidney disease, or kidney stones
• recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• stomach ulcers
• an unusual reaction to sulfinpyrazone, salicylates such as aspirin, phenylbutazone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take sulfinpyrazone capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. This medicine is usually taken twice daily. Take sulfinpyrazone with food, milk, or antacids if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day while taking sulfinpyrazone. This will help to prevent kidney stones from forming and other problems caused by an increased amount of uric acid in the kidneys.

Sulfinpyrazone does not treat gouty attacks. However, if you have already been taking the drug when an attack occurs, you should continue taking it to help keep your uric acid levels under control, unless otherwise directed by your health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Sulfinpyrazone?

• acetaminophen
• alcohol
• alosetron
• aspirin or aspirin-like medicines such as bismuth subsalicylate, choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate, or salsalate
• drugs that prevent or treat blood clots such as warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, or enoxaparin
• cholestyramine
• cisplatin
• colchicine
• cyclosporine
• ethambutol
• mecamylamine
• medicines for diabetes
• nitrofurantoin
• probenecid
• pyrazinamide
• ramelteon
• sulfamethoxazole
• sulfisoxazole
• theophylline
• verapamil
• water pills (diuretics)
• zonisamide

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Sulfinpyrazone?

Sulfinpyrazone helps to prevent gout attacks. It will not help an attack of gout once it has started. Take this medicine regularly as prescribed by your health care provider, even if you have an attack of gout. Other medicines can be prescribed for you to treat an attack of gout while you are taking sulfinpyrazone. Sulfinpyrazone is only effective in preventing gout if you keep taking it regularly. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your prescriber or health care professional. It may take several months before you see the full effect of sulfinpyrazone.

Alcohol can increase the amount of uric acid in your body and aggravate gout. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products while taking sulfinpyrazone, unless approved by your health care provider. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any nonprescription medicines to be sure they do not contain aspirin or aspirin-like ingredients, since these medicines can make sulfinpyrazone less effective.

Drink plenty of water (8—10 glasses per day) while taking this medicine. Sulfinpyrazone works best when the urine is alkaline (non-acidic). Ask your prescriber or health care professional about which foods or juices to avoid, and about other foods, beverages, or antacids that may help to keep the urine alkaline.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Sulfinpyrazone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in urine or stool, or black tarry stools
• difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• fever, chills or sore throat
• lower back or side pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• skin rash and itching (hives)
• swelling of the feet, ankles, face or lips
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• painful, red, or swollen joints
• upset stomach

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.