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Febuxostat - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

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Febuxostat - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

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Febuxostat is a drug given for gout. Learn about its uses, dosage, drug warnings, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, and more.

Written by

Dr. Lochana .k

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sanya Dhingra

Published At February 25, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 22, 2022

Overview:

Generally, a drug might serve different purposes. But drugs like Febuxostat can be given for the treatment of complex arthritis such as gout. Too much uric acid gets crystallized and deposits in the joints of these patients. The deposition of uric acid is the main cause of inflammation and pain.

Drug Group:

Febuxostat is a drug belonging to a group of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. This drug comes only as an oral supplement and can be used in patients who are having very high levels of uric acid. It is recommended only for adults and not for young patients. Before taking this medication, get proper recommendations from your doctor.

What Is Febuxostat Used For?

Febuxostat is a prescription drug that is used as a part of combination therapy. It means this drug is used in combination with others. The specific usage of this drug is to treat gout where the levels of uric acid are relatively high. The general symptoms of gout would be swelling, redness, stiffness in joints, and pain. In the initial stage, this drug is given along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

How Does Febuxostat Work?

Uric acid is retained in the body with the help of enzymes. Xanthine is the substance that is converted to uric acid. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion to uric acid. Febuxostat has the potential to block the xanthine oxidase inhibitors. This leads to a reduction in the level of uric acid on the whole.

Onset Of Action:

In some patients, the drug might start its function after two weeks. But, it is necessary that you take these drugs regularly to prevent gout. While taking these medications, you have to do regular blood tests in order to check the condition of liver functioning. It has taken up to six months in some patients for the full effectiveness of the drug to be shown.

Habit-Forming:

The habit-forming tendency is not noted in patients who are consuming this drug. But, it is necessary that you take these drugs regularly.

Expiry Date:

These drugs require a compulsory recommendation from doctors. The expiry date will be printed on the back of the pack.

What Is the Dosage of Febuxostat?

Dosage of Febuxostat

How to Use Fexofenadine?

Febuxostat is taken in the form of a tablet to prevent gout. It can be taken before and after food. But the good thing would be maintaining a habit of taking it at the same time every day. The drugs should be stopped only after you are advised to do so. Consult with your doctor regarding the usage of Febuxostat.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose, you can take the dose when you are reminded of it. Maintaining a regular timing for the consumption of these drugs is the most important part of treatment.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

All the drugs will not be suitable for all patients. A medical history might be required to prescribe appropriate drugs. Follow the precautions to stay safe.

  • Pregnancy - Febuxostat might not be safe to consume during pregnancy. So, do not use it unless it is necessary. You should take this drug under strict medical supervision.

  • Breastfeeding - There are no cases reported to show negative effects. Still, Febuxostat can reach the baby through breastmilk in small quantities. So, it might be risky to use this drug during the breastfeeding period. However, ask your doctor to give suggestions on this.

  • Secondary hyperuricemia - Since uric acid is known to be high in patients with this condition, Febuxostat is not recommended in these patients. Consult your doctor and get an opinion regarding this.

  • Kidney problems - It is not advisable in patients with kidney problems as it might lead to renal impairment. Ask your doctor to suggest whether you can take this drug or not.

  • Heart problems - Heart patients should avoid this medication to prevent further complications. It is essential to monitor the signs and symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Febuxostat?

1.Severe and Rare Side Effects:

Febuxostat may cause many side effects. Not all the below mentioned side effects might occur. But, if they occur, then medical attention is required. Consult with your doctor if any of the below-mentioned side effects occur while consuming Febuxostat.

  • Jaw, back, or arm pain.

  • Nervousness.

  • Black and tarry stools.

  • Swelling, redness, or pain in the joints.

  • Difficult or painful urination.

  • Bloody nose.

  • Chest pain or discomfort.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Cloudy urine.

  • Chills.

  • Cough.

  • Confusion.

  • Decreased frequency or amount of urine.

  • Dark urine.

  • Difficult or labored breathing.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Dizziness.

  • Difficulty with moving.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Fainting.

  • Feeling of fullness in the stomach.

  • Pounding, fast, irregular, or racing heartbeat or pulse.

  • Fever.

  • A general feeling of tiredness and weakness.

  • Gaseous abdominal or stomach pain.

  • Heavier menstrual periods.

  • Headache.

  • Increase in heart rate.

  • Inability to speak.

  • Itching, skin rash.

  • Increased thirst.

  • Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.

  • Large, hive-like swelling on the eyelids, face, tongue, lips, hands, throat, legs, genitals, or feet.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Lightheadedness.

  • Loss of bladder control.

  • Nausea.

  • Muscle aching or cramping.

  • Pounding in the ears.

  • Pinpoint red spots on the skin.

  • Redness of the skin.

  • Rapid breathing.

  • Runny nose.

  • Stomach or right upper abdominal pain and fullness.

  • Severe or sudden headache.

  • Seizures.

  • Shivering.

  • Slurred speech.

  • A slow or fast heartbeat.

  • Ulcers, sores, white spots on the lips or in the mouth.

  • Sore throat.

  • Sunken eyes.

  • Stomach pain.

  • Swelling.

  • Sweating.

  • Temporary blindness.

  • Tightness in the chest.

  • Thirst.

  • Trouble swallowing.

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • Vomiting of material or blood that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Vomiting.

  • Weight gain.

  • Weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, which is sudden and severe.

  • Yellow eyes and skin.

  • Wrinkled skin.

2.Common and Mild Effects:

There are some common symptoms. These side effects may vanish away during the treatment as your body keeps adapting to the medication. Consult with your health care professional to minimize the impact caused by Febuxostat. Check with your doctor or health care professional if below-listed side effects continue or troubles your lifestyle. The commonly seen side effects are very mild. They are:

  • Anxiety.

  • Blistering, irritation, crusting, or reddening, itching of the skin.

  • Breast pain.

  • Burning feeling in the chest or stomach.

  • Bruising.

  • Changes in hair color.

  • Change in taste.

  • Buzzing, continuous hearing, or other unexplained noise in the ears.

  • Constipation.

  • Cracked, dry, or scaly skin.

  • Cough producing mucus.

  • Decreased interest in sexual intercourse.

  • Depression.

  • Excess gas or air in the stomach or bowels.

  • Ear congestion.

  • Fruit-like breath odor.

  • Gum pain.

  • Hearing loss.

  • Hair loss or thinning of the hair.

  • Heartburn.

  • Inability to move the arms and legs.

  • Inability to have or keep an erection.

  • Increased or decreased appetite.

  • Increased sweating.

  • Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

  • Increased urination.

  • Irritability.

  • Loss of consciousness.

  • Muscle or bone pain or stiffness.

  • Loss of voice.

  • Muscle spasm, tightness, or weakness.

  • Nasal congestion.

  • Muscle twitching.

  • Numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth.

  • Pains in the side, stomach, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back.

  • Severe or continuing stomach pain.

  • A sensation of spinning.

  • Severe sunburn.

  • Throat irritation.

  • Breast soreness or swelling of the breasts in both females and males.

  • Shaking or trembling of the feet or hands.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Dullness, unusual drowsiness, or feeling of sluggishness.

  • Weight loss.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Febuxostat?

All the drugs would interact with some or other conditions and medications. The common interactions of Febuxostat are:

  • With Medicine -

  1. Allopurinol.

  2. Rosuvastatin.

  3. Atorvastatin.

  4. Augmentin.

  5. Warfarin.

  6. Aspirin.

  7. Apixaban.

  8. Furosemide.

  9. Amlodipine.

  10. Metoprolol.

  11. Clopidogrel.

  12. Acetaminophen.

  • With Disease -

  1. Heart disease.

  2. Kidney problem.

  3. Secondary hyperuricemia.

  • With Alcohol -

  1. Consuming alcohol can damage the liver and cause other complications. Therefore, alcohol drinking habits should be completely stopped.

What Are the Common Brand or Trade Names of Febuxostat?

  • Tablet Buxoric 40 mg.

  • Tablet Fabulas 80 mg.

  • Tablet Febintra 40mg.

  • Tablet Feblast 40 mg.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is the Indication of Febuxostat?

Febuxostat is a medicine used to treat gout, a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. It helps reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and joints, relieving pain and swelling. Febuxostat can also help prevent future gout attacks and reduce the risk of kidney stones. It is usually taken once daily with food or without food, depending on the doctor's instructions.

2.

Is Febuxostat a Steroid Drug?

No, Febuxostat is not a steroid. It is a medication used to treat hyperuricemia, which is a condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Febuxostat belongs to a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which work by reducing the production of uric acid in the body.

3.

Can Febuxostat Lower Creatinine Levels?

Febuxostat is not primarily used for reducing creatinine levels. Febuxostat is used to treat hyperuricemia, which is a condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood and is often used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. However, in some cases, Febuxostat has been reported to decrease creatinine levels when it is used as a medication to treat gout and gouty arthritis, which are known to be associated with kidney disease. 

4.

Should One Take Febuxostat Forever?

The duration of treatment with Febuxostat will depend on the individual's response to the medication and the severity of their condition. Some people may need to take the medication for a longer period of time, while others may only need to take it for a short period.

5.

When Should Febuxostat Be Taken?

The best time to take Febuxostat is typically in the morning, with or without food. It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to take the medication at the same time every day to maintain consistent blood levels.

6.

Can Febuxostat Harm the Liver?

Febuxostat, like other medications, can potentially cause liver damage as a side effect. It is important to monitor liver function while taking Febuxostat and to inform a healthcare provider if any symptoms of liver problems occur, such as pale urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or stomach ache.

7.

Can Febuxostat Raise or Lower Blood Pressure?

Some studies have shown that Febuxostat may have a small effect on blood pressure, but it is not clear if this effect is clinically significant. It is important for patients to monitor their blood pressure when taking Febuxostat and inform their healthcare provider if they experience any changes in blood pressure.

8.

Can Febuxostat Raise Cholesterol Levels?

Some studies have suggested that Febuxostat may have a small effect on cholesterol levels, but it is not clear if this effect is clinically significant. It is important for patients to have their cholesterol levels monitored while taking Febuxostat and to inform their healthcare provider if they experience any changes in cholesterol levels.

9.

Is Febuxostat Linked to Fatty Liver?

Further studies are needed to confirm the association between Febuxostat and fatty liver. It is important for patients to be aware of potential side effects of the medication, especially if they have any existing liver disease or other risk factors for fatty liver. If a patient develops symptoms of fatty liver, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, or jaundice, they should inform their healthcare provider immediately.

10.

Does Febuxostat Have an Effect on the Heart?

Heart-related complications such as thromboembolic (blood clots) events have been reported in patients on Febusxostat therapy. Hence, monitoring is advised for patients receiving Febuxostat. It is also important to report to the doctor if any symptoms or cardiac complications are experienced.

11.

What Occurs if One Does Not Take Febuxostat Anymore?

If the patient stops taking Febuxostat, the gout symptoms may return if the medication is helping to control them. It is generally recommended not to abruptly stop taking Febuxostat and to talk to the healthcare provider before making any changes to the treatment plan. They may suggest a plan to gradually reduce the dosage or switch to another medication to manage symptoms.

12.

Does Febuxostat Lower Blood Levels of Uric Acid?

Yes, Febuxostat is a medication used to lower uric acid levels in the blood. By lowering uric acid levels, Febuxostat can help to prevent gout attacks and the formation of kidney stones. It is usually used when Allopurinol is not well tolerated or not effective.

13.

Does Febuxostat Cause Blood Clots?

There is a risk that Febuxostat could cause blood clots. According to FDA, Febuxostat may increase the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs. The risk of blood clots is higher in people who have a history of blood clots, are taking blood thinners, or have other risk factors for blood clots. Hence, it is important for the patient to talk with the doctor before starting Febuxostat.

14.

Can Febuxostat Harm the Eyes?

There have been some reports of eye problems associated with the use of Febuxostat, including changes in vision, eye pain, and inflammation of the eye. These eye problems are considered rare side effects of the medication. The patient should talk to the doctor immediately if these adverse effects are experienced.
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Dr. Lochana .k
Dr. Lochana .k

Dentistry

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