The recent news from the FDA that gout patients are at an increased risk of Uloric cardiac related death while taking the drug has caused a great deal of concern for patients taking the drug.

Uloric, also known as febuxostat, was approved in 2009 for the treatment of gout. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused by high levels of uric acid that form into crystals in the joint space, causing severe pain, redness, warmth and inflammation.

Uloric and other anti-gout medications work by lowering the levels of uric acid in the blood.

FDA Warns of Uloric Cardiac Related Death

The FDA’s latest warning regarding Uloric cardiac related death resulted from a study that looked at deaths from taking the drug, deaths from other causes, and other severe side effects linked with the drug’s use. The study results indicated that patients taking Uloric had an increased risk of suffering from Uloric cardiac related death and deaths from other causes.

Non-fatal Uloric side effects included heart attacks that did not end in death, strokes that did not lead to death and cardiac ischemia, a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart causing patients to need immediate surgery.

The study, completed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Uloric, found that compared to gout drug allopurinol, Uloric was more likely to cause Uloric cardiac-related death or death from other causes as compared to those who took allopurinol. This information was included in the research’s preliminary results, and a comprehensive review from the manufacturer will finish out the study.

Severe side effects from Uloric are not uncommon. The clinical trials initially performed before the drug’s approval indicated that strokes, heart attacks and Uloric cardiac related death were possible. These risks have already been included on the drug’s warning label.

However, due to the serious nature of these side effects, the FDA required Takeda Pharmaceuticals to conduct a post-market study.

In its recommendation in the safety warning, the FDA noted the following: “Health care professionals should consider this safety information when deciding whether to prescribe or continue patients on febuxostat. Patients should talk to your health care professionals if you have any questions or concerns. Do not stop taking your medicine without first consulting with your health care professional.”

Patients and healthcare professionals are also encouraged to report any adverse effects regarding Uloric to the FDA.

Has a Loved One Suffered from Uloric Cardiac Related Death?

If your loved one suffered from Uloric cardiac related death or died from other causes while taking Uloric, you may be eligible to file an Uloric lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer. Filing a lawsuit against the drug maker may allow you to recover compensation related to your loss and can help keep drug companies accountable for the safety of their products.

If you qualify, an experienced attorney familiar with product liability lawsuits against drug companies can provide you with a free case review and consultation in order to discuss your eligibility and legal options as you contemplate taking legal action.