Gout is a really annoying and painful health condition, isn't it? Suddenly, a joint like the big toe or knee becomes red and swollen, causing severe pain that is hard to bear. The main reason for this is that the level of uric acid in the body increases. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Lesinurad to control this gout condition. So, today we will talk very simply about what this medicine is, how it affects our body, and what we need to be especially careful about while using it.
What is Lesinurad? How does it work?
Simply put, Lesinurad is a medicine that helps lower the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product that our bodies produce. These are normally filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. But some people produce too much uric acid in their bodies, or they don't get rid of it properly. Then this uric acid accumulates in the body and deposits itself in the joints as crystals. That's when gout pain occurs.
What Lesinurad does is increase the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys. But there's something very important here.
Lesinurad is never used alone. It is always used with another gout medication, such as allopurinol or febuxostat. These medications are called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. They reduce the production of uric acid in the body. Lesinurad helps to remove the reduced amount.
This means that these two medications work together to control your gout condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Lesinurad, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- If you have any kidney disease , have had a kidney transplant , or are undergoing dialysis treatment .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have cancer .
- If you have uric acid-related diseases that are present from birth, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.
- If you have allergies to this medicine, Lesinurad, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding .
- If you have a condition such as dehydration .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How should I use the medicine exactly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it as directed.
- Time: This pill should be taken every morning .
- How to take: Take this medicine with a glass of water with a meal .
- Important: Take it with the other gout medication your doctor has prescribed (allopurinol or febuxostat). Never take Lesinurad alone.
- Dosage: Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- Stopping: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Suppose you forget to take your medicine in the morning. If that happens, don't take it later that day. Skip that time and take your medicine at your regular time the next morning. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you take may interact with Lesinurad. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal supplements). Be especially careful with these types of medications.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aspirin and similar painkillers | Aspirin |
| Some antibiotics | Rifampin |
| Medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease | Amiodarone, Amlodipine |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Atorvastatin |
| Antifungals | Fluconazole |
| Medicines for seizures | Carbamazepine, Valproic acid |
| Female hormones and birth control | Birth control pills, injections, patches, rings |
| Other | Sildenafil |
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
- Gout flare: When you first start taking this medicine, your gout may get worse. This means you may experience pain and swelling. This is called a gout flare . But don't be afraid to stop taking the medicine. This is normal. Your doctor will prescribe other medicines to help control the pain.
- Drink plenty of water: This is very important. To help flush out uric acid, drink at least 2 liters of water (8-10 glasses) a day. If you experience diarrhea or vomiting, tell your doctor. This can lead to dehydration.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your kidney function while you are taking this medication. Be sure to get them done.
- Birth control: This is especially important for women. If you are using a hormonal birth control method, such as pills, injections, or patches, taking Lesinurad may make them less effective. So, if you want to prevent pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (such as condoms).
Side effects of the medicine
As with any medication, there is a possibility of side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, fainting, jaw or back pain. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Difficulty urinating, decreased urine output, flank pain. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| General inconveniences | Headache, stomach ache, feeling unwell (like a fever). |
Take-Home Message
- Never take Lesinurad alone. Always take it with the other gout medication (Allopurinol/Febuxostat) prescribed by your doctor.
- Take the medicine every morning, with a meal.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day (at least 2 liters).
- Even if your gout pain increases when you first start taking the medication, don't panic and stop taking it. Talk to your doctor about it.
- If you are a woman using birth control, consult your doctor about an extra safe method.
- If you notice any signs of a serious side effect, seek medical advice immediately.
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