Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I taking UREMIDE?
UREMIDE contains the active ingredient furosemide. It is used to help reduce the excess
fluid in the body.
2. What should I know before I take UREMIDE?
Do not take UREMIDE if you have ever had an allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfonamides
(e.g. 'sulfur antibiotics'), sulfonylureas or any of the ingredients listed at the
end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with UREMIDE and affect how it works.
4. How do I take UREMIDE?
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. More instructions can be found in Section
4. How do I take UREMIDE? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while taking UREMIDE?
|
Things you should do
|
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacists that you are taking UREMIDE.
Make sure you drink enough water during any exercise and during hot weather when you
are taking UREMIDE, especially if you sweat a lot.
Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
|
|
Things you should not do
|
Do not eat large amounts of liquorice or take large amounts of laxatives while you
are taking UREMIDE.
|
|
Things to be careful of
|
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or
standing up.
If you take UREMIDE for a long time, check with your doctor to determine whether or
not you should eat more potassium containing foods or take potassium supplements.
If your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, wear protective clothing, including
a hat and sun block when you are outside.
|
|
Driving or using machines
|
UREMIDE may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. If this happens, do
not drive or operate machines.
|
|
Drinking alcohol
|
It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking UREMIDE.
|
|
Looking after your medicine
|
Store your UREMIDE tablets in the original container, in a cool dry place where the
temperature stays below 30°C.
|
6. Are there any side effects?
Very serious side effects may include sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching
or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body,
shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing, chest pain, yellowing of the skin
or eyes (jaundice), lockjaw, fainting or a rapid, weak pulse. For more information,
including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient(s):
furosemide
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using UREMIDE. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using UREMIDE.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking UREMIDE?
UREMIDE contains the active ingredient furosemide. UREMIDE belongs to a family of medicines called diuretics. A diuretic helps reduce
the amount of excess fluid in the body by increasing the amount of urine produced.
UREMIDE 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.
UREMIDE may be used in some people with more serious kidney problems who may have
some fluid retention.
UREMIDE 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.
UREMIDE may be taken alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.
Your doctor may have prescribed UREMIDE for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why UREMIDE has been prescribed for
you.
This medicine is not addictive.
2. What should I know before I take UREMIDE?
Warnings
Do not take UREMIDE if:
you are allergic to:
furosemide
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.
Your doctor will know which medicines are sulfonamides or sulfonylureas.
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
skin rash, itching,
shortness of breath
swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or
breathing
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Check with your doctor if you have:
liver problems
kidney problems
heart problems
high cholesterol levels
asthma
diabetes
gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
been passing less urine than is normal for you
difficulty passing urine
no production of urine
prostate problems
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
any other medical conditions or take any medicines for any other condition.
Tell your doctor if you are on a salt restricted diet.
Restricting your salt intake may lead to increased side effects.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take
UREMIDE.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take UREMIDE if you are pregnant.
It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
UREMIDE is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. If there is a need to consider
UREMIDE during your pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of
taking it if you are pregnant.
Do not take UREMIDE if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
The active drug, furosemide, passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your
baby may be affected.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking UREMIDE if you are breastfeeding
or planning to breastfeed.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with UREMIDE and affect how it works. These include:
certain antibiotics, especially some cephalosporins and aminoglycosides
amphotericin B (amphotericin), a medicine used to treat fungal infections
sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers
barbiturates, medicines used to treat epilepsy, to produce calmness, or to help you
sleep
anticonvulsant medicines such as chloral hydrate or phenytoin
lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
risperidone, an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia
corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, medicines
used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
narcotic/strong pain killers such as codeine and morphine
methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
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
medicines used in emergency situations such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline
(norepinephrine)
medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery
medicines used during scans to see the images of your body
theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat thyroid conditions.
Do not take large amounts of laxatives while you are taking UREMIDE.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect UREMIDE.
4. How do I take UREMIDE?
How much to take
Follow the directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day and when to take
them. This depends on your condition and how you respond to this medicine.
The usual initial dose for:
Oedema
Adults: 20 to 80 mg as a signal dose once a day.
Infants and children: 3 mg/kg per day up to a maximum of 6 mg/kg per day.
Hypertension
Adults: 80 mg per day divided into 40 mg twice a day.
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 may not
work as well and your problem may not improve.
When to take UREMIDE
UREMIDE is usually taken once or twice a day.
Take UREMIDE on an empty stomach. For example, 1 hour before food or 2 hours after
food.
Food can interfere with the absorption of UREMIDE.
Take UREMIDE at about the same time each day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Taking your medicine at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will
also help you remember when to take the medicine.
If your doctor prescribes UREMIDE to be taken once a day, it is best done in the morning,
for example, before breakfast.
If you are taking UREMIDE 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 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 UREMIDE for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your condition and lowers the fluid build-up in your body.
Hypertension
Continue taking UREMIDE 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.
How to take UREMIDE
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
If you forget to take UREMIDE
UREMIDE should be taken regularly at the same time each day.
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 your next
dose when you are meant to.
If there is still a long time to go before your next dose, take the missed dose 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 doctor or pharmacist
for hints.
If you take too much UREMIDE
If you think that you or anyone else has taken too much UREMIDE, urgent medical attention
maybe needed. If you take too much UREMIDE, you may feel confused, dehydrated, dizzy
or you may pass excessive urine.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26 in Australia)
for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while taking UREMIDE?
Things you should do
Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking
UREMIDE.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking UREMIDE.
If you plan to have a surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or
dentist that you are taking this medicine. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
Make sure you drink enough water during any exercise and during hot weather when you
are taking UREMIDE, especially if you sweat a lot.
If you do not drink enough water while taking UREMIDE, you may feel faint, light-headed
or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly and you may become
dehydrated. 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 UREMIDE.
There may be some interference with the results of these tests.
If you are taking UREMIDE to treat high blood pressure, make sure you have your blood
pressure checked when your doctor says to make sure UREMIDE is working properly.
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. 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.
If you are taking UREMIDE 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 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.
Tell your doctor immediately if you:
become pregnant while you are taking this medicine
if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhoea while taking UREMIDE or if you experience
any of the following symptoms:
dry mouth or thirst
fainting
weakness, tiredness or drowsiness
muscle pain or cramps
fast heartbeat
passing less urine than normal.
If you experience these symptoms, you may be dehydrated because you are losing too
much water.
Things you should not do
Do not eat large amounts of liquorice while you are taking UREMIDE.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly.Do not change the dosage without checking
with your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not take this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Things that may help your condition
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor
or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.
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.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how UREMIDE
affects you.
UREMIDE 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 light-headed.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if this
occurs.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
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. It is not recommended
that you drink alcohol while taking UREMIDE.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight, where
the temperature stays below 30°C; for example, do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep your tablets in the original container until it is time to take them.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the bottle. Do not take
this medicine if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Very serious side effects:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What UREMIDE contains
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
furosemide (40 mg per tablet)
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
lactose monohydrate
maize starch
pregelatinised maize starch
magnesium stearate.
|
|
Potential allergens
|
sugars as lactose
sulfites
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What UREMIDE looks like
UREMIDE is an 8 mm flat bevelled edged white tablet marked FE/40 on one side, alpha
symbol on the reverse (AUST R 17704).
Each pack contains 30 or 100 tablets.
Who distributes UREMIDE
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in May 2025.
UREMIDE® is a Viatris company trade mark
UREMIDE_cmi\May25/00