Before taking sulfinpyrazone

Before taking sulfinpyrazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a stomach ulcer.
• If you have porphyria or have ever had any other problem with your blood.
• If you have gallstones.
• If you have kidney or heart problems.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is particularly important if you are taking aspirin.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or to any other medicine.

How to take sulfinpyrazone

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take these tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. Sulfinpyrazone is usually taken once a day.
• Try to take your dose of sulfinpyrazone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. Take your dose with or soon after a meal, or swallow your dose with a glass of milk.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not start taking sulfinpyrazone while you are suffering from an attack of gout. You should wait until 1-2 weeks after the attack has settled before starting this treatment. Your doctor may advise that you take other treatments for gout alongside sulfinpyrazone when you first start treatment.
• It is important that you drink plenty while you are taking sulfinpyrazone. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine. Do not take anything containing aspirin while you are taking sulfinpyrazone.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You may need to have regular blood tests while you are taking sulfinpyrazone.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can sulfinpyrazone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome:

How to store sulfinpyrazone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.