What does it do?

Benzbromarone is used to prevent gout. It helps your kidneys remove uric acid from your blood.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, or have ever had kidney stones.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take benzbromarone regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

Gout can sometimes flare up when you start taking benzbromarone. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine to prevent this. Keep taking benzbromarone during a gout attack. Stopping the tablets suddenly is likely to make your gout worse.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with benzbromarone including:

• aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief)
• fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan®)

Benzbromarone can increase the effect of warfarin. If you are taking warfarin and start or stop benzbromarone, your warfarin dose will need to be changed and you will need more regular INR blood tests. Discuss with your healthcare professional.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Persistent dry cough, trouble breathing	Tell your doctor immediately
Lower back pain, pink/red/brown pee (may be a kidney stone)	Tell your doctor
Diarrhoea	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• You will need regular blood tests while taking benzbromarone to make sure you are on the right dose, and to check if it is causing problems with your liver. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your chance of liver problems.
• Benzbromarone can cause kidney stones if you do not drink enough fluid. Discuss with your health professional.
• Benzbromarone is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.