Probenecid

What are the possible SIDE-EFFECTS of the medicine?

• The medication is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are:

• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

When do I seek IMMEDIATE medical attention?

• As with any other medications, a very small number of patients using probenecid may experience RARE but serious side effects. Do seek medical attention if the following occur:

• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling around the eyes or eyelids
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Unexplained fever or sore throat
• Bloody urine or painful urination
• Feeling very tired or weak

What to tell your doctor before this medication is given to you?

• If you have G6PD (glucose-6-phospahate dehydrogenase) deficiency, please let your doctor know about it as probenecid may not be suitable for you.
• As probenecid may increase the risk of urinary tract stone formation please let your doctor know if you have a history of kidney stone.

Can I take other MEDICINES or SUPPLEMENTS?

• Your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving treatments to reduce inflammation and pain and to prevent gout flare during the initial treatment.
• Always check with the doctor or pharmacist first before taking over-the-counter medicines.
• DO NOT take any supplements, alternative or herbal medicines without informing your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I FORGET a dose?

• If you forget to take you medication at the usual time, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it is near the time for the next dose when this happens, just skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take more than the usual scheduled dose to make up for the missed dose.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How is the medicine given?

• Your doctor would normally start it at a low dose and gradually increase the dose if necessary.
• It may take some time for the medication to be effective.
• As probenecid works by making you pass out more uric acid in your urine, you need to drink about 8 - 9 glasses of water throughout the whole day IF you are not told to restrict water intake by any of your doctors. This is to prevent the formation of uric acid stones in the kidney. It is advisable to take probenecid with/immediately after meals to prevent nausea or vomiting.

What is the TIME to EFFECT?

• It usually takes months to notice any improvement in symptoms after starting probenecid.

What special DIETARY instructions should I follow?

• Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 liters of fluid a day, unless otherwise advised by your doctor).

Can I get PREGNANT or BREASTFEED?

• Please tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding, pregnant or likely to become pregnant during the course of treatment with the medication.

In SUMMARY… what you need to know about Probenecid?

• Take probenecid approximately at the same​ time every day, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Always come for your BLOOD TESTS on the scheduled date.
• Beware of the SIDE EFFECTS and when to get immediate medical attention.
• Never take medicines, supplements or herbal treatments OVER-THE-COUNTER without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
• If you have any questions about your probenecid treatment, please discuss with your doctor or Advanced Practice Nurse at 65762418 or pharmacist at 63265077.