Febuxostat

What is Febuxostat used for?

Febuxostat is a medicine that lowers uric acid in adults with gout. Doctors prescribe it when another medicine, allopurinol, doesn't work or can't be used. It's only for people who have high uric acid causing gout symptoms. It hasn't been tested on children, so it's not safe to use in them.

How does Febuxostat work?

Febuxostat is a medicine that lowers uric acid in the blood. Your body breaks it down using different processes, some involving the liver. Most of the medicine and its breakdown products leave the body through the liver and kidneys. Importantly, at the dose used to treat high uric acid, it doesn't interfere with other processes involved in making or using uric acid.

Is Febuxostat effective?

Clinical studies have shown febuxostat to be effective in reducing serum uric acid levels to below 6 mg/dL in most patients, especially at 80 mg daily​.

How does one know if Febuxostat is working?

Febuxostat helps with gout, but its effects aren't directly measured. Doctors watch for side effects and how well it reduces gout attacks. They'll likely do blood tests to check your liver. Even though you might have a gout attack while taking it, don't stop. Your doctor will probably give you medicine to prevent attacks for six months.

What is the usual dose of Febuxostat?

The recommended dose for Febuxostat is 40 mg once daily, which may be increased to 80 mg daily if the target uric acid level is not achieved after two weeks.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pediatric use.

​However, people with severely weakened kidneys might need a lower dose (40mg once a day). There's no information given about the correct dose for children. 

How do I take Febuxostat?

You can take Febuxostat with or without food. It doesn't matter what you eat with it. Just follow your doctor's instructions on how many pills to take and when.

For how long do I take Febuxostat?

If you've had gout, your doctor might suggest taking febuxostat for six months to prevent it from coming back. It's like a preventative measure to keep gout attacks away. 

How long does it take for Febuxostat to start working?

Febuxostat starts lowering uric acid levels within two weeks, with improvements in gout symptoms seen as treatment progresses.

How should I store Febuxostat?

Keep the febuxostat pills in a cool, dark place. The best temperature is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Don't let sunlight shine on them.

Who should avoid taking Febuxostat?

Patients on azathioprine or mercaptopurine.Febuxostat is a medicine for gout, but it has serious risks. It shouldn't be taken with certain other medications (azathioprine or mercaptopurine). Some people taking it have experienced heart problems, even sudden death, more often than those taking a similar medicine called allopurinol. Those with severe hepatic impairment or a history of serious hypersensitivity to febuxostat

​There's also a risk of liver problems and severe skin reactions, even death in some cases. When you first start taking it, you'll likely have gout attacks, so your doctor will give you medicine to prevent that for about six months. 

Can I take Febuxostat with other prescription drugs?

Febuxostat is a medicine that works by affecting a body process involving xanthine oxidase (XO). Some other medicines also use this process, and taking them with febuxostat can cause problems. Specifically, it's very dangerous to take febuxostat with azathioprine or mercaptopurine because it can make those medicines much more powerful, leading to harmful side effects. Taking febuxostat with theophylline might change how the body processes theophylline, but the long-term effects aren't fully known. However, febuxostat seems safe to take with colchicine or naproxen.

Can I take Febuxostat with vitamins or supplements?

Febuxostat may interact with supplements that increase uric acid levels (e.g., high-dose niacin). Consult your doctor before combining them.

Can Febuxostat be taken safely while pregnant?

There's not enough information on how febuxostat affects pregnancies in humans. Limited data suggests no significant risk, but use only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. 

Can Febuxostat be taken safely while breastfeeding?

It's not known for sure if the medicine febuxostat gets into breast milk. Doctors and mothers need to discuss whether it's safe to take while breastfeeding. 

Is Febuxostat safe for the elderly?

This medicine works the same in older adults (65 and up) as it does in younger people. The amount of medicine in their bodies is similar. However, some older people might be more sensitive to it, even though most aren't.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Febuxostat?

Exercise is generally safe. Ensure hydration to prevent gout attacks during strenuous activities.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Febuxostat?

Moderate alcohol intake may increase uric acid levels, counteracting febuxostat’s effects. Minimize alcohol consumption.