Uloric Approved for Gout

The first new treatment option in 40 years

Posted: February 16, 2009

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MONDAY, Feb. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Takeda Pharmaceuticals' Uloric (febuxostat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat gout, a painful condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid that can build up in the blood, joints and soft tissue.

Uloric is the first new treatment option in more than four decades for gout, a chronic condition affecting more than 5 million Americans, the Japanese drug maker said in a news release. It's the most common inflammatory arthritis in men 40 and older.

The FDA approved the drug in 40 mg. and 80 mg. strengths. Takeda initially requested approval for 80 mg. and 120 mg versions, but the agency was concerned about possible cardiovascular side effects stemming from the higher doses, the Bloomberg news service reported.

Uloric was evaluated in clinical trials involving more than 4,000 people. The most common side effects reported were liver function abnormalities, nausea, joint pain and rash.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more about gout.

Gout

What kind of gout do you have?

I have been under a doctor's care for about five year for gout and I take daily Allopurinal 300mg which works for me. Tests confirmed that my body make too much uric acid. My diet, does consist of eating shrimp and other types of fish plus beer and wine. The only time I have a tendency to get a gout attack is when I'm under prolonged stress.

Paul Geiselhart of IL @ Mar 02, 2009 17:46:43 PM

Bing cherries

Hi! Where do we find Bings in the off season? Do dried cherries work? Organic dark cherry juice (bottled)? Cherry capsules? Also, has anyone heard about good effects of celery?

I never have submitted comments online before, but I feel this captive audience knows exactly what's going on with our painful condition. Since the initial acute attack 17 months ago, I have controlled my diet fanatically: eat cherries, consume lowfat dairy products, drink coffee, drink lots of water, absolutely avoid high purine foods, no alcohol at all. Exercise fairly regulary.

Being proactive with organic diet and exercise always has been my first defense to overcome physical problems, and I avoid taking prescription drugs. It worked all my life until now. At age 59 I was still doing triathlons! But lately some surgeries have been necessary and now I take meds for yet another condition.

I don't take any gout meds yet and I am relatively uneducated about them. So far, I have staved off another gout attack, but my question is this: Should every gout sufferer take prescribed drugs [forever], starting right away? And if we don't, are future incapacities and deformities unavoidable for us?

If I do start medication, does the initial drug-taking period customarily bring on several attacks? The thought of inciting more gout pain is terrifying, but I also don't want to sabotage the quality of my later years. My doctor knows my aversion to taking meds, so he hasn't pressed the issue. As fellow sufferers, what are your thoughts? Should I have another talk with him? Thanks for sharing.

Iny of WA @ Feb 19, 2009 21:56:18 PM

gout care

1. Avoid at all costs any excessive pressure or even slight injury to feet and ankles . Pushing on the car's accelerator pedal for an hour is bad.

2. Even though many studies and Drs. indicate that seafood, shellfish, wine , beans and lentils consumption makes only a slight increase in uric acid buildup ; My opinion is to simply avoid entirely all seafood, all fish and shellfish and at least red wine and all beer .

3. Daily exercise is very important ; but 8 glasses at 8 ounces each is very necessary and do not ever become even slightly de-hydrated .

4. Take your doctor's prescription dosage faithfully of Allopurinal or whatever he/she thinks you can tolerate .

5. Bing cherries fine; can't hurt you . nor the other items like psyllium husk . Good proper and "organic" vitamins are necessary ; avoid the usual junk.

6. A major item is eating real healthy organic food, mostly fruits and vegetables Do not eat what are called" edible consumables " ; junk from the corporations.

7. Avoid all the junk, especially processed 'food" and high fructose corn syrup , and chicken ,turkey and other fowl. Most beef now is so highly loaded with antibiotics it is bad. Eat real old fashioned gathered and cooked real food .

fritz of SD @ Feb 16, 2009 19:32:52 PM

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