What is Febuxostat?
Febuxostat decreases the production of uric acid in your body. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acids. When gout sufferers have high uric acids, Febuxostat can be used to prevent this. Only use Febuxostat if you are unable to take a medicine called Allopurinol or if Allopurinol is no longer working. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Febuxostat.
Side effects of Febuxostat
If you notice symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, difficulty with swallowing) or have severe reactions on the skin (fever or soreness), or experience signs that they could have come from pollen, be cautious as an allergen could have an impact. neck, or burning in your eye, or skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash that is spreading and peeling), seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any severe side effects from taking medications, such as skin rashes, fever or flu-like symptoms; muscle pain/weakness; unusual bruises/bruises or yellowing of skin then seek medical advice immediately.
Febuxostat may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
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A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
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Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure; pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder; rapid heartbeats.
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Jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes) is a sign of liver disease.
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Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness and weakness, especially on one side; severe headache or slurred or slurred-up speech; or problems with vision or equilibrium.
Side effects of febuxostat include:
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Joint pain, gout flares
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Nausea;
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Mild rash
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Liver problems are a serious condition.
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice regarding potential side effects? Speak to your physician. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Allopurinol, Zyloprim, Uloric, Probenecid, Allopurinol/Lesinurad, Krystexxa
Warnings
Take febuxostat to reduce your risk of heart disease. Use febuxostat only if you are not using azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to febuxostat or you use the following medications:
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Azathioprine;
Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of febuxostat.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
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Heart problems
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A heart attack or stroke
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Liver or kidney disease
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Cancer;
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Lesch-nyhan syndrome;
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An organ transplant (kidney, liver, lung, heart).
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Febuxostat?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medication exactly as instructed. Take febuxostat either with or without food. If needed, you can take Febuxostat with an antacid. When you start taking febuxostat, your gout symptoms may increase. You may be prescribed other medications by your doctor during the first six months of treatment. Do not suddenly stop taking febuxostat. You may worsen your condition if you stop suddenly. To get the best results, take your medication as prescribed. If your symptoms don't improve within 6 months or worsen, call your doctor. Your liver will require frequent blood tests. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for gout:
Initial dose: 40mg orally, once per day.
If the serum uric level is higher than 6 mg/dL, after 2 weeks, increase the dose orally to 80 mg once a day.
Maintenance dose: 40–80 mg orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: 80 mg/day
Comments:
This drug is only to be used after a flare-up of acute gout has subsided.
Gout flares can occur as a result of increased urate mobilization, particularly during initiation. Gout flare prevention with an NSAID or collchicine may be beneficial for up to six months.
You can check your uric acid level as early as two weeks after starting this medication.
Use: To treat hyperuricemia chronically in patients with gout who have not had a satisfactory experience with an allopurinol dose titrated to the maximum, are intolerant of allopurinol, or do not feel that treatment with allopurinol would be advisable.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out immediately if a poison occurs - call 1-800-222-1222, for immediate medical attention or call the Poison Help Line: 1800-222-122.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Notify your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, such as:
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Theophylline.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect febuxostat. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
