Febuxostat
Information about Febuxostat
Febuxostat uses
Febuxostat is used in the treatment of gout.
How febuxostat works
Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by decreasing blood uric acid, which is the chemical that causes gout.
Common side effects of febuxostat
Diarrhea, Headache, Nausea, Edema (swelling), Abnormal liver function, Rash, Joint pain, Dizziness, Muscle pain, Gout flares, Increased level of thyroid hormones, Diabetes, Increased levels of blood fat, Weight gain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), Sleepiness, Taste change, Palpitations, ECG changes, High blood pressure, Shortness of breath, Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), Cough, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Red spots or bumps, Itching, Joint inflammation, Kidney stone, Blood in urine, Low blood platelets, Increased creatinine level in blood, Decreased hemoglobin, Increased hemoglobin, Weight loss, Increased appetite, Decreased appetite, Nervousness, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Hair loss, Joint stiffness, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Blurred vision
Available Medicine for Febuxostat
Expert advice for Febuxostat
- Your doctor has prescribed Febuxostat to reduce episodes of gout attack.
- Take it at the same time every day, with or without food.
- Take plenty of fluids (2-3 litres) daily while on Febuxostat.
- When you first start taking this medicine, you might have more gout attacks. Do not stop Febuxostat on having an acute attack of gout as that could make an attack worse.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause your gout to flare up.
- Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor straight away if you have symptoms like rash, itchiness, difficulties in breathing, fever, or swelling of limbs or face.
Frequently asked questions for Febuxostat
Febuxostat
Q. What is Febuxostat used for?
Febuxostat is used to treat gout in adults. It is mainly used in patients who did not respond to the treatment with allopurinol or who are not able to take allopurinol. Gout is a type of arthritis in which uric acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, builds up in the joints. It causes sudden attacks of redness, swelling, pain, and heat in one or more joints.
Q. What are the side effects of Febuxostat?
Febuxostat may cause common side effects such as abnormal liver test results, diarrhea, headache, rash, nausea, and even an increase in gout symptoms and localized swelling due to retention of fluids in tissues (edema). Whereas, the serious side effects of Febuxostat include heart problems, gout flares, liver problems, and severe skin and allergic reactions. Immediately inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.
Q. How long should I take Febuxostat?
The dose and duration of Febuxostat vary from person to person and are decided by your doctor. It may take several months before Febuxostat begins to prevent gout attacks. Do not stop taking Febuxostat without the advice of your doctor even if you feel better.