If you have taken Uloric and suffered gout medication side effects as a result, you could be eligible for compensation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that Uloric (febuxostat) has been linked to an increased risk of heart-related deaths and a risk of deaths from all causes. The new warning was based on a study that compared Uloric to allopurinol, another gout medication sold as brand names Aloprim and Zyloprim.

The CARES trial results were announced at the American College of Cardiology’s 67^thAnnual Scientific session last March. Lead investigator and author William B. White, M.D. said the researchers were surprised that Uloric caused an increased risk of cardiovascular death, but not an increased risk of heart attacks that are not fatal.

The gout medication side effects for both allopurinol and Uloric appeared to be relatively the same regarding heath failure, heart arrhythmias, pulmonary embolisms, myocardial infarction or stroke.

Gout Medication Side Effects Allegedly Hidden

Uloric was the first new gout medicine to receive FDA approval in 40 years when it became available in 2009.

A former Takeda safety consultant filed a whistleblower lawsuit, alleging the company hid Uloric’s serious gout medication side effects and potentially deadly drug interactions from the FDA and the public.

Uloric not only allegedly showed an increased risk of heart-related death, but also an increased risk of dangerous and possibly fatal side effects, including:

• Other heart problems
• Severe bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Bone marrow failure
• Liver failure
• Psychotic behavior
• Severe rashes

In fear of competitors beating Uloric to the market place, Takeda allegedly decided to hide the gout medication side effects, according to the whistleblower case.

Possible fatal drug interactions can occur between Uloric and warfarin, Imuran, methadone and digoxin. Other problems may arise if Uloric is taken in combination with methadone. Uloric and methadone have the same metabolizing enzyme. When the two drugs are used at the same time, the enzyme remains active much longer than intended. At least one person has died of a fatal overdose of methadone allegedly caused by the extended activation of the metabolizing enzyme.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the creation of too much uric acid in the blood. Extra uric acid turns to crystal form and eventually settles into the joints. Uloric belongs to a class of medications known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which work by blocking the formation of uric acid in the body.

A patient experiencing a gout attack will endure severe pain, swelling and redness. The inflamed joint might feel warmer than the rest of the body. A big toe is often the first area hit by gout, but other joints can be at risk, too.

Nearly four percent of American adults suffer from gout attacks, and for unknown reasons, most are men. Patients with chronic gout can experience joint damage that affects their mobility.

Patients who believe they have suffered from gout medication side effects that include any heart-related illnesses after taking Uloric should speak with their doctor. While controlling uric acid levels to keep gout at bay is important, the increased risk of heart-related death cannot be ignored.

If you or someone you love has suffered dangerous gout medication side effects, you could benefit from speaking with an experienced lawyer regarding your legal options.