Uses of Febuxostat

Febuxostat is used in the treatment of gout and to prevent accumulation of high blood levels of uric acid in the blood.

Therapeutic Category

Febuxostat: Xanthine oxidase inhibitors

How Febuxostat works

Febuxostat works by blocking the action of enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the process of converting hypoxanthine into uric acid (purine metabolism pathway). This type of action reduces high uric acid level in gout.

Common side effects of Febuxostat

• diarrhea, nausea
• headache
• skin rash
• exaggerated gout symptoms
• oedema
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• itching
• pain in extremity, pain/ache in muscles/joints
• fatigue

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of limbs or face causing difficulty in breathing
• if you experience signs of Stevens- Johnson syndrome/ toxic epidermal necrolysis (serious skin rashes characterized by formation of blisters and shedding of the skin and inner surfaces of mouth and genitals, painful ulcers in the mouth and/or genital areas, accompanied by fever, sore throat, fatigue)
• if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• if you experience signs of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (extensive skin rash in association with enlarged lymph nodes, liver enlargement, raising of the white cells count)

Health Tips for Febuxostat

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management can help reduce the risk of gout attack and improve overall health
• Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain hydration and can help flush out uric acid from the body and reduce the risk of gout attacks and support kidney function
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Febuxostat as it can increase uric acid levels in the body and trigger gout attacks
• Maintain a healthy weight to help decrease the risk of gout attacks
• Avoid high-purine foods such as organ meats (liver, kidney), shellfish, red meat, processed meats, and sugary beverages as they can contribute to high uric acid levels. Consume low-purine foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products