Popular Gout Drug Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiac-Related Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will require Uloric, a medication designed to treat the symptoms of gout, to feature a Boxed Warning due to the drug causing an increased risk of heart-related deaths and deaths of all causes. The medication’s approved usage will also be limited to patients who are poor responders to allopurinol — another drug commonly used to treat gout.
Our lawyers are here to help if you or someone you love suffered cardiovascular complications, stroke, or heart-related death after taking Uloric. Drug manufacturers should be held responsible when their medications harm innocent victims, and it’s our goal to help people like you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today — we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Safety Clinical Trial Shows Uloric Is More Dangerous Than Allopurinol
The FDA has been aware of Uloric’s potential heart-related risks for nearly a decade, as it included a warning with the medication after its approval in 2009 indicating its potential for causing cardiovascular events in patients. To better understand those risks, the FDA also asked Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Uloric’s manufacturer, to conduct a safety clinical trial.
After reviewing data collected from 6,000 patients who participated in the trial and took either Uloric or allopurinol to treat their gout symptoms, the FDA discovered that patients who took Uloric were at a higher risk of suffering both heart-related deaths and deaths of all causes than patients who took allopurinol.
Watch for These Warning Signs If You Take Uloric
Gout is a painful arthritis-like condition characterized by a buildup of uric acid in the body. When levels of uric acid become too high, patients can experience extreme pain and swelling in affected joints. Uloric is designed to improve the symptoms of gout by reducing levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.
However, Uloric isn’t without its share of side effects and complications. The FDA says that anyone taking Uloric should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Dizziness
- Speech problems
- Severe rapid-onset headache
If you’ve experienced cardiovascular problems in the past, including a heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor about the elevated risks you may face while taking Uloric. Don’t stop taking the medication without speaking to your doctor first, as doing so can worsen your gout symptoms.
Our Legal Team Fights for the Rights of Injured Drug Victims
Medications are supposed to treat your symptoms and help you feel better. But they can sometimes leave you feeling worse than ever and can even lead to life-threatening conditions.
Contact us if you or someone you love experienced any of the following side effects, complications, or injuries after taking Uloric:
- Heart-related death
- Non-deadly heart attack
- Non-deadly stroke
- Reduced blood supply to the heart requiring medical intervention (unstable angina)
You shouldn’t have to suffer because of a big drug company’s negligence. We’re here to help you get the money you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today to find out how we can put our experience to work for you and your loved ones.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.
