FEBUXOSTAT 40 MG TABLET | FEBUDOSE

Febuxostat is a commonly prescribed drug, in the treatment of long-term gout (a common and complex form of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints) due to high uric acid levels. Febuxostat works by blocking the action of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, responsible for converting hypoxanthine into uric acid (purine metabolism pathway). With the effect of febuxostat high uric acid level decreases in gout and blood cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The medicine is also used to target the accumulation of high blood levels of uric acid in the blood. The febuxostat tablets are generally recommended for those people who cannot allopurinol.

The medicine should be prescribed by the doctor in a particular dosage and duration. The dosage can be incrementally increased or decreased depending on your response to the medicine. The tablet shall be swallowed whole with the water, and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to febuxostat or similar medicines. Also, inform if you have liver, kidney, heart, or thyroid problems and undergoing treatment for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Some common side effects of using these tablets are nausea, diarrhea, arthralgia, headache, increased hepatic serum enzyme levels, and rash.

Uses of Febuxostat Tablets

• Treats gout
• Prevents accumulation of high uric acid levels in the blood

Side Effects of Febuxostat Tablets

Febuxostat is a potent drug capable of eliciting a wide range of reactions. Usually, the side effects are mild to moderate and heal after some time. If they do not go away after some time, immediately consult your doctor and get medical consultation. The list of side effects is given below:

• Liver function test results appear abnormal
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Exaggerated gout symptoms
• Oedema
• Nervousness
• Feeling thirsty
• Ringing sensation in the ears
• Blurred vision, change in vision
• Hair loss
• Ulcers in mouth
• Increased sweating
• Weight decrease, increased appetite, or uncontrolled loss of appetite
• Muscle and/or joint stiffness
• Frequent need to urinate

Drug Interaction

When two drugs are taken together, it can lead to negative health implications. The drugs can also interact with certain food items, beverages, and health conditions.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Mercaptopurine (used to treat cancer)
• Azathioprine (used to reduce immune response)
• Theophylline (used to treat asthma)

Precautions and Warnings

1. Febuxostat is a C-category drug that can potentially harm the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid taking the medicine.

2. Do not deviate from the prescribed dosage by either doubling or halving the dose.

3. Keep the medicine away from children and pets. Properly dispose of expired and used tablets.

4. People having liver or kidney problems should not consume the medicine without a doctor’s consultation as it can worsen the conditions.

5. Keep the medicines out of the light, in temperatures between 59ºF-86ºF (15ºC-30ºC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the side effects of Febuxostat tablets?

The common side effects of the tablets are abnormal liver function test results, diarrhea, headache, skin rash, nausea, exaggerated gout symptoms, and edema. If you feel any of these getting worse, please consult your doctor immediately.

2. Is Febuxostat safe for Kidney patients?

No, Febuxostat is not safe for kidney patients. It might affect the function of the kidney, resulting in kidney stones, changes in the amount of urine, abnormally frequent urination, and an increased level of proteins in the urine).

3. What happens if I stop taking Febuxostat Tablets?

Once you are prescribed Febuxostat tablets it is very important that you do not stop taking it unless advised by your doctor or unless side effects develop. If the treatment is stopped, there is a high risk that your gout may worsen. You should continue to take it even if you do not have symptoms.