WHAT IS Benemid/Probenecid TABLETS?

PROBENECID/Benemid helps to remove excess uric acid from the body. This medicine is used to prevent gouty attacks. It is also used to increase the amount of time that some antibiotics stay in the body. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Benemid/Probenecid?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

HOW SHOULD I USE Benemid/Probenecid?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine in children under 2 years old.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Benemid/Probenecid?

It may take several months before you see the full effect of this medicine. It is only effective if you keep taking it regularly even if you have an attack of gout. Your prescriber or health care professional will prescribe other tablets to treat an acute attack.

Aspirin and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen/Motrin can make this medicine less effective. Do not treat yourself for headaches or pain. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests talk with your health care professional.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Benemid/Probenecid?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• topiramate/Topamax
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• ketorolac/Toradol
• methotrexate/Rheumatrex

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• antiviral medicines such as acyclovir/Zovirax, famciclovir/Famvir, ganciclovir
• acetaminophen
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen/Motrin or naproxen/Anaprox
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• meclofenamate
• antibiotics including penicillins, sulfonamides
• rifampin
• lorazepam
• alcohol
• pyrazinamide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Benemid/Probenecid?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• lower back or side pain
• breathing difficulty
• painful, swollen joints
• blood in urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• pain, difficulty passing urine
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fever, chills, infection
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• sore gums
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• frequent passing of urine
• flushing
• loss of appetite
• dizzy
• hair loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Benemid/Probenecid?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease, or kidney stones
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to probenecid/Benemid , sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• acute gouty attack
• breast-feeding
• stomach ulcers
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• blood disorders or disease

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.