furosemide
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about UREMIDE 20. It does not contain all
the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or
pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
UREMIDE 20 against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What UREMIDE 20 is used for
UREMIDE 20 contains the active ingredient furosemide, which belongs to a family of
drugs called diuretics. A diuretic helps reduce the amount of excess fluid in the
body by increasing the amount of urine produced.
Furosemide is used to treat swelling of the ankles, feet, legs or even the brain or
lungs. This swelling is called oedema and can occur in some heart, lung, liver or
kidney conditions.
Furosemide may be used in some patients with more serious kidney problems who may
have some fluid retention.
Furosemide may also be used to lower high blood pressure (which is also called hypertension).
Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps move your blood around your body.
Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day, depending on how
busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood
pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.
If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including
stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
Furosemide may be taken alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your
condition.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you take UREMIDE 20
When you must not take it
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you have:
certain kidney problems
no production or no passing of urine
low blood pressure (hypotension)
low sodium levels in your blood
low potassium levels in your blood
dehydration
jaundice or history of jaundice in newborns or infants
hepatic coma or precoma.
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you have an allergy to:
any medicine containing furosemide
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
medicines called sulfonamides (e.g. some types of antibiotics which are also referred
to as 'sulfur antibiotics') or sulfonylureas which are medicines which can be used
to treat diabetes.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, shortness
of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing
or breathing.
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you are pregnant.
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if you are breastfeeding or planning to breast-feed.
The active drug, furosemide, passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your
baby may be affected.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack.
If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not take UREMIDE 20 if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to:
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
any other medicines called sulfonamides or sulfonylureas
any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
liver problems
kidney problems
heart problems
high cholesterol levels
asthma
diabetes
gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
passing less urine than is normal for you
difficulty passing urine
no production or no passing of urine
prostate problems
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Like most medicines of this kind, UREMIDE 20 is not recommended to be used during
pregnancy. If there is a need to consider UREMIDE 20 during your pregnancy, your doctor
will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breast-feed.
UREMIDE 20 passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your baby may be affected.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are breast-feeding
or planning to breast-feed.
Tell your doctor if you are on a salt restricted diet.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking UREMIDE 20.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food
shop.
Some medicines should not be taken with furosemide. This includes large amounts of
laxatives.
Some medicines and UREMIDE 20 may interfere with each other. These include:
certain other fluid tablets or diuretic medicines
medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions, especially
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists
digoxin and other medicines used to treat heart failure
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and aspirin, medicines used to relieve
pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery
lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
medicines used in emergency situations such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline
(norepinephrine)
cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
certain antibiotics, especially cephalosporins and aminoglycosides
amphotericin B, a medicine used to treat fungal infections
barbiturates, medicine used to treat epilepsy, to produce calmness, or to help you
sleep
narcotic/strong pain killers such as codeine and morphine
insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers
anticonvulsant medicines such as chloral hydrate or phenytoin
corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone
medicines used to treat thyroid conditions
risperidone, an antipsychotic medication used to schizophrenia
medicines used during scans to see the images of your body.
These medicines may be affected by UREMIDE 20 or may affect how well it works. You
may need different amounts of your medicines, or, take different medicines.
You should not eat large amounts of liquorice when you are taking UREMIDE 20.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take UREMIDE 20
How much to take
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
They will tell you exactly how much to take.
Follow the instructions they give you. If you take the wrong dose, UREMIDE 20 may
not work as well and your problem may not improve.
How to take it
Take the tablets with a glass of water.
When to take it
UREMIDE 20 tablets are usually taken once or twice a day.
Take UREMIDE 20 tablets on an empty stomach. For example, one hour before food or
two hours after food.
Food can interfere with the absorption of UREMIDE 20 tablets.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.
If your doctor prescribes UREMIDE 20 tablets to be taken once a day, it is best done
in the morning, for example, before breakfast.
If you are taking UREMIDE 20 tablets more than once a day, take your first dose immediately
before breakfast and take your last dose around 2:00 pm (on an empty stomach), unless
your doctor tells you otherwise.
UREMIDE 20 may increase the amount of urine you pass; it will also increase the number
of times you need to go to the toilet. By taking your last dose around 2:00 pm, there
may be less chance that your sleep is disturbed.
How long to take it
Oedema:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your condition and lowers the fluid buildup in your body.
Hypertension:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your blood pressure, but it does not cure it. Continue
taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to take the medicine for.
If you forget to take it
Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time.
This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next
dose when you are meant to.
If there is still a long time to go before your next dose, take it as soon as you
remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for
hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone
13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if
you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much UREMIDE 20. Do this even
if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too much UREMIDE 20, you may feel confused, dehydrated, dizzy or you may
pass excessive urine.
While you are using UREMIDE 20
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking UREMIDE 20.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking
this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine.
Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
immediately.
Tell your doctor if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea while taking UREMIDE 20
or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
dry mouth or thirst
fainting
weakness, tiredness or drowsiness
muscle pain or cramps
fast heart beat
passing less urine than normal.
If you experience these symptoms, you may be dehydrated because you are losing too
much water.
Make sure you drink enough water during any exercise and during hot weather when you
are taking UREMIDE 20, especially if you sweat a lot.
If you do not drink enough water while taking UREMIDE 20, you may feel faint or light-headed
or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly and you are dehydrating.
If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
If you are taking UREMIDE 20 to treat high blood pressure, make sure you have your
blood pressure checked when your doctor says to make sure UREMIDE 20 is working properly.
Things you must not do
Do not take UREMIDE 20 to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Things to be careful of
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or
standing up.
You may feel light-headed or dizzy when you begin to take UREMIDE 20. This is because
your blood pressure is falling suddenly. Standing up slowly, especially when you get
up from beds or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and
blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how UREMIDE 20 affects you.
Diuretic medicines may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Make sure
you know how you react to your medicine before you drive a car, operate machinery,
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or lightheaded.
If this occurs do not drive.
If you drink alcohol or take strong painkillers, dizziness or light-headedness may
be worse.
The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking UREMIDE 20. It is not recommended
that you drink alcohol while taking UREMIDE 20.
If you are taking furosemide for a long period of time, you should check with your
doctor to determine whether or not you should eat more potassium-containing foods
or take potassium supplements. However, increasing the amount of potassium in your
diet may not be necessary and could be harmful. Check with your doctor.
UREMIDE 20 may cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. If this happens
you should take care to wear protective clothing including a hat and sun block when
you are outside.
Things that may help your condition
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition.
alcohol - your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
diet - eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread,
cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar.
exercise - regular exercise helps reduce blood pressure and helps the heart get fitter,
but it is important not to overdo it.
Walking is a good exercise, but try to find a route that is fairly flat. Before starting
any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of program for you.
salt - if you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to watch the amount
of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking
or at the table.
smoking - your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least to cut it down.
weight - your doctor may suggest that you lose some weight to help lower your blood
pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may
need a dietician's help to lose weight.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking UREMIDE 20.
This medicine helps most people with high blood pressure or fluid retention, but it
may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects.
Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. Your doctor has weighed
the risks of using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for
you.
You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
very dry mouth or unusual thirst
weight loss
weakness or tiredness
numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
calf muscle spasms
muscle pains or cramps
restlessness
drowsiness or a lack of energy
dizziness or light-headedness
headache
fever
vomiting or nausea
diarrhoea
blurred or impaired vision
unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin
ringing or buzzing in the ears
confusion.
These are more common side effects of UREMIDE 20. Mostly they are mild or short-lived.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
irregular or fast heart beat
passing less urine than is normal for you
severe stomach pain, often with nausea or vomiting
severe dizziness or a spinning sensation
increased sensitivity to sunlight
flaking or peeling of the skin
symptoms of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness
and looking pale
frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nose bleeds
loss of control of your bladder or bowels (incontinence)
gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
deafness or ringing in the ears.
These may be serious side effects of UREMIDE 20. You may need urgent medical attention.
Serious side effects are uncommon.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and
Emergency at your nearest hospital:
sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives (pinkish, itchy raised areas)
on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness
of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
chest pain
fainting or having a rapid, weak pulse
lockjaw
red, often itchy spots similar to the rash seen with measles which starts on the limbs
and sometimes on the face and body. The spots may blister and may progress to form
raised red, pale-centred marks. Those affected may have fever, sore throat, headache
with or without diarrhoea.
yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice).
These are serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
These side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
After using UREMIDE 20
Storage
Keep your tablets in the bottle until it is time to take them.
If you store your tablets out of the container they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store UREMIDE 20 tablets or any other medicine in the bathroom, near a sink,
or on a window sill.
Do not leave it in the car.
Heat, sunlight and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
White to off-white, round, tablets debossed with ‘F2’ on one side and plain on the
other side.
Available in bottle of 50 and 100 tablets.
Ingredients
Each tablet contains 20 mg of furosemide as the active ingredient. It also contains
the following inactive ingredients:
• lactose
• maize starch
• pregelatnised maize starch
• sodium starch glycollate (type A) microcrystalline cellulose
• magnesium stearate
The tablet also contains sugars as lactose.
Supplier
UREMIDE 20 is supplied in Australia by:
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in May 2024.
Australian registration numbers:
AUST R 412873 - UREMIDE 20 furosemide 20 mg tablet bottle
UREMIDE® is a Viatris company trade mark
UREMIDE 20_cmi\May24/01