Febuxostat: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Febuxostat is used to reduce uric acid levels in people with gout. The drug works to reduce the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Because of the risk of very serious heart problems and stroke with febuxostat, febuxostat should only be used after treatment with allopurinol, which has not worked to lower your uric acid. Febuxostat should only be used if you have symptoms that indicate high levels of uric acid in your blood.

1. Indications and contraindications of Febuxostat

Febuxostat is contraindicated in the following cases:
Treatment to prevent acute gout attacks Febuxostat is contraindicated in the following cases:
Chronic heart failure Cerebrovascular disorders Hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup Abnormal liver function tests Increased risk of cardiovascular events Stage 4 (severe) chronic kidney disease

2. How to use Febuxostat?

Carefully read the medication instructions provided by your doctor before you start taking febuxostat and each time you are given a refill. If you have any questions about how to use Febuxostat, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Febuxostat by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dose of Febuxostat is calculated based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use Febuxostat regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take your medicine at the same time each day. You may have more gout attacks for several months after you start taking Febuxostat while your body gets rid of the extra uric acid. Febuxostat is not a pain reliever. Your doctor may prescribe medication (such as colchicine, an NSAID such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin) to prevent/treat a gout attack during the first few months you take febuxostat. Continue to take your gout medications as prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse after using Febuxostat. Tests such as blood uric acid levels and liver function tests may be done while you are taking Febuxostat.

3. Febuxostat side effects

When using Febuxostat, you may feel nauseous. If this side effect persists or gets worse, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Febuxostat because he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Febuxostat without any serious side effects.
Febuxostat rarely causes serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. The drug can also cause an increase in liver enzymes. Your doctor will order blood tests to check for liver enzymes. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea that doesn't stop, stomach or stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of Febuxostat, including: Pink or bloody urine, painful urination.
Febuxostat may cause a rash, which could be a sign of a serious reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop a rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to Febuxostat is very rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, severe dizziness, get medical help right away.
The following are the side effects of Febuxostat including:
Common side effects of Febuxostat include:
Skin rash Abnormal liver function tests Joint pain Nausea Uncommon side effects of Febuxostat These include:
Acute inflammation of the joints due to a gout attack. Dizziness Headaches Diarrhea Severe abdominal pain Rare side effects of Febuxostat include:
Low blood potassium levels Thrombocytopenia Decreased bone marrow function Anemia Large purple or brown skin spots Low platelet count and bleeding due to an immune response Very low granulocyte count Low neutrophil level Eosinophils in the blood High white blood cell count Psychiatric problems due to medication Guillain Barre syndrome Cataracts Hearing loss High blood pressure A heart attack Angina Abnormal electrical heart signal Atrial fibrillation Atrial flutter Bradycardia Abnormal heart rate Chronic heart failure Stroke Blood vessel blockage Low blood pressure Colitis Gastritis and intestines Blood from the anus Liver failure Hepatitis Gallstones Interstitial nephritis Renal failure Kidney stones Bloody urine Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson syndrome Leech nest Rhabdomyolysis Myelodysplastic syndrome High blood bilirubin Bleeding nosebleed Vomiting blood Enlarged liver Spleen Enlarged anaphylaxis Angioedema Hypersensitivity reaction to i medication Tingling sensation in the skin Yellow eyes or skin Pancreatitis Chronic heart failure DRESS syndrome Heart palpitations High levels of triglycerides in the blood Dehydration Mood changes Changes in sexual preferences Aggressive behavior pungent Blurred vision Ringing in the ears Gum pain Dry mouth Inflammation of the mouth Gastroesophageal reflux disease Stomach ulcers Indigestion Constipation Inability to have an erection Enlarged breasts Breast pain Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight Unusual peeling of the skin usually Erythema, itching, hair loss, hair color change, skin color change, muscle pain, feeling lightheaded, low energy, flu-like symptoms Pinhead-like burgundy spots on the skin Changes in appetite Heart pounding Vomiting Stomach bloating Distention

This is not a complete list of the possible side effects of Febuxostat. If you notice other effects of Febuxostat not listed above, contact your doctor right away.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Febuxostat

Before taking febuxostat, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies you may have. Febuxostat may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Febuxostat, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Cancer, heart disease (such as heart attack, chest pain/angina), stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, organ transplant.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Febuxostat.
For women during pregnancy, Febuxostat should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits of the drug with your doctor. It is not known whether febuxostat passes into breast milk. Women who are breast-feeding should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

5. Febuxostat drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Febuxostat works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while you are using Febuxostat, without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that can interact with Febuxostat include: Azathioprine, mercaptopurine.

6. What to do if you overdose or forget to use Febuxostat?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Febuxostat and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 right away.
If you miss a dose of Febuxostat, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Febuxostat at the usual time, do not double your usual dose.

7. How to store Febuxostat

Febuxostat should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store medicine in the bathroom, keep it away from children and pets.
Do not flush Febuxostat down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of this medication appropriately when it expires or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com