What it is used for
- Lowering raised uric acid in people with chronic gout
- Treating hyperuricaemia when a specialist decides other options are unsuitable
How it is used
- Swallow the tablet with water exactly as prescribed
- Drink adequate fluids unless your doctor has told you to restrict them
- Do not start it during an acute gout attack or stop gout treatment on your own
Possible side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Rash or itching
- Gout attacks may occur when uric acid lowering begins
- Rarely, severe liver injury that may be life-threatening
Who should not use it
- Liver disease or abnormal liver function
- Uric-acid stones or conditions in which the kidneys cannot remove uric acid adequately
- Allergy to benzbromarone
Before and while using it
- Regular liver-function tests are required before and during treatment
- Stop the medicine and seek medical care immediately for loss of appetite, persistent nausea, marked tiredness, dark urine, or yellow skin or eyes
- It can increase the risk of kidney stones; follow your doctor's advice about fluids and urine tests
- This medicine is unavailable or restricted in some countries because of the liver-injury risk
Medicine interactions
- It may increase the effect of warfarin and similar anticoagulants; medical monitoring is needed
- Pain-relief amounts of salicylates may reduce its uric-acid-lowering effect
- Tell your doctor about all gout medicines and medicines that may affect the liver
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety information is insufficient; tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
How to store it
- Keep tablets in their original pack away from moisture and out of the sight and reach of children
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.