Febuxostat
AntigoutUses of Febuxostat
- Febuxostat is used to lower hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood) in patients with gout who have not responded well to allopurinol or cannot be treated with it. It works by reducing uric acid production, preventing the formation of urate crystals that cause joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Febuxostat is prescribed for patients with chronic gout who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to other uric acid-lowering medications. Regular use helps prevent gout attacks and related complications.
Side effects of Febuxostat
- Liver problems
- Nausea
- Gout flares
- Joint pain
- Rash
How Febuxostat works
- Febuxostat is an antigout medication.
- It is a nonpurine xanthine oxidase inhibitor that inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in uric acid production. By reducing uric acid levels in the blood, it prevents the formation of uric acid crystals in joints.
- This action helps alleviate gout symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation, effectively managing the condition.
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B. Pharm
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Expert Advice
Dosage Forms Available
- Febuxostat can be taken orally (tablet).
Age And Dose Restrictions
- It is intended to be used by adults above 18 years of age.
Contraindications
- It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Febuxostat. It is also contraindicated in patients being treated with azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
Medications To Avoid With This Drug
- Avoid taking theophylline and cancer chemotherapy medications with Febuxostat. These medications may alter the safety and effectiveness of this medicine.
Overdose And Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.
Management Of Side Effects
- Take it with food to reduce nausea and continue taking it as prescribed. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment.
Use In Pregnancy And Lactation
- It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Caution In Other Conditions
- Caution is advised in older adults and patients with gout flare, cancer, organ transplant, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, heart and liver impairment and severe kidney impairment.
Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation
- Limit purine-rich foods, such as organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish, as they can contribute to uric acid production.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Excess weight can contribute to higher uric acid levels.
- Reduce the intake of sugary beverages, as they may be associated with an increased risk of gout.
- Avoid crash diets or fasting, as rapid weight loss can temporarily increase uric acid levels and potentially trigger gout attacks.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Febuxostat a painkiller tablet?
No, this medicine is not a painkiller. It's primarily used to treat gout and prevent the accumulation of high blood levels of uric acid.
2. Can Febuxostat reduce swelling?
This medicine is mainly intended to lower uric acid levels and manage gout. While they can indirectly help with swelling associated with gout attacks, their primary purpose isn't to reduce general swelling.
3. Does Febuxostat affect the kidneys?
This medicine may rarely cause kidney and urinary disorders. If you have pre-existing kidney impairment, you should consult your doctor before taking it.
4. How much time does Febuxostat take to work?
This medicine may start reducing uric acid levels within a few days of treatment, but noticeable improvement in gout symptoms may take several weeks to months of consistent use.
5. Is Febuxostat a habit-forming medicine?
No, this medicine is not habit-forming and is generally safe when used as directed.
6. Can I drive after taking Febuxostat?
This medicine can make you feel dizzy and drowsy and may blur your vision. It is not recommended to drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination after taking it.
7. Does Febuxostat affect fertility?
The use of this medicine is not known to impair female fertility.
8. Is Febuxostat available over the counter, or do I need a prescription?
This medicine usually requires a prescription and is not available over the counter.
9. Can Febuxostat lower blood pressure?
This medicine is not known to lower blood pressure. However, it may cause hypertension as an uncommon side effect.
10. Can Febuxostat affect blood sugar?
This medicine is not typically associated with significant effects on blood sugar levels. However, individual responses may vary, and it's advisable to monitor blood sugar regularly, especially in individuals with pre-existing diabetes or those at risk for it.
11. How long to take Febuxostat?
Your doctor determines the duration of this medicine treatment for gout based on individual response and the management of uric acid levels. It is often prescribed for the long term to prevent gout attacks, and the duration will be specified in your individual treatment plan.
List of Medicines for Febuxostat
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