What condition does Febuxostat treat?

Febuxostat is used to lower uric acid levels. This prescription is usually recommended in people who are experiencing gout. Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. It most classically affects the joint in the base of the big toe. Increased uric acid levels have a high risk to have gout.

Febuxostat is in the group of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It blocks the formation of uric acid in the body. This comes as a tablet for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.

How does Febuxostat work?

Febuxostat achieves its therapeutic effect by decreasing serum uric acid. This drug is not likely to inhibit other enzymes involved in pyrimidine synthesis and purine. It is also not expected in metabolism at therapeutic concentrations.

This medication works by decreasing the amount of uric acid that is made in the body. The effect of this medication is often done two weeks or right after starting this medication. It can take six months to become fully effective.

What is the recommended dosage for Febuxostat?

The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response.

This drug is to be taken by mouth. You should take the medicine with a full glass of water. It is usually taken once a day. You may take each dose with or without food.

To help you remember, take it at the same time every day. Use it regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not take it often than prescribed. Take it exactly as it is directed by your doctor.

Your doctor may advise you not to start taking this medicine until after an attack of gout has completely settled. If this isn’t possible it may be started while the gout is in a mild phase. It is important to be mindful that as the crystals start dissolving they could become dislodged. For this reason, you may have more attacks of gout during the first few weeks of treatment. This doesn’t mean the medication is not working, so don’t stop taking this medicine, but do treat the attack as you would normally.

What are the side effects of Febuxostat?

• Nausea
• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
• Skin rash
• Dizziness

Call your doctor if these serious side effects occur:

• Liver enzyme abnormalities
• Numbness in the extremities
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath

What are the precautions in taking Febuxostat?

• Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any medical history or current medications/treatments.
• Do not double the prescribed dosage of this medication.
• You should not share this drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
• Several drugs interact with Febuxostat, so you must discuss any new medicine with your doctor before starting to take them, and always inform anyone else treating you that you’re taking this medication.
• When you start this treatment and you develop a rash, fever, swelling of the face, particularly within the first month, you should seek medical advice right away. You should also tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms or there’s anything else that concerns you.
•  Keep this far from the reach of children.