Febuxostat

What is Febuxostat for?

Febuxostat belongs to a class of medicines called xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It is used for reducing uric acid (also known as urate) levels, stopping crystal formation and dissolving crystals for excretion. Over time, Febuxostat prevents gout flares and its associated symptoms. Keeping uric acid levels sufficiently low for a long enough period of time can also help to shrink the tophi (bumps which contain urate deposits at the joints).

How should I take or use Febuxostat?

• The tablets can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Continue to take Febuxostat as prescribed even when you are not experiencing a gout flare or attack.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Febuxostat?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Febuxostat?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. Febuxostat may interact with other medicine or supplement that you are taking
• You have heart, kidney, liver or thyroid problems

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Febuxostat?

Some medication such as Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine, Pegloticase and Theophylline should not be taken together with Febuxostat as they might increase the chance of you experiencing severe side effects. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any other chronic medications.

What are some common side effects of Febuxostat?

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Edema (localized swelling due to retention of fluids in tissues)
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain

A majority of these effects tend to resolve by themselves.

You may also experience more frequent gout flares when you first start taking Febuxostat.

• To prevent this, your doctor may prescribe other medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Colchicine, with Febuxostat for the first 6 months.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

• Liver problems - possible symptoms include dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-coloured stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes
• Blood clot in the vessels - possible symptoms include severe chest pain with extreme sweating, severe headache, severe giddiness, passing out, change in strength on different sides of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking. These symptoms suggest a heart attack or stroke.

Warning

Patients with established cardiovascular disease receiving Febuxostat had a higher risk of cardiovascular death, when compared to those treated with Allopurinol. Febuxostat should only be used in patients who have an inadequate response despite a maximally titrated dose of Allopurinol, or are intolerant to or not recommended for Allopurinol. If you have any heart conditions or related concerns, discuss with your healthcare professional on the risks and benefits. 

How should I store Febuxostat?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Febuxostat safely?

For general waste: Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.