Key facts about Febuxostat
What dosages is Febuxostat available in?
Febuxostat is available as a 40 mg and 80 mg oral tablet.
What is Febuxostat used for?
Febuxostat is an xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is used to treat gout in people who can’t take or haven’t responded to allopurinol (Zyloprim).
How does Febuxostat work?
Febuxostat stops an enzyme called xanthine oxidase from making uric acid; this then lowers the uric acid levels in your body. Keeping uric acid levels low can prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.
How do I take Febuxostat?
Febuxostat is typically started at 40 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose to 80 mg once a day if you still have high uric acid levels after a couple of weeks.
Is it safe for me to take Febuxostat?
Febuxostat is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
Febuxostat Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Febuxostat:
- Change in liver labs
- Rash
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Ringing in the ear and hearing problems
- Blurry vision
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach and stomach pain
- Gas
- Heartburn
Febuxostat Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Febuxostat. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious skin reaction: red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dark urine, itchiness
- Chest pain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Febuxostat
The following medications may interact with Febuxostat:
- Concomitant administration of Febuxostat with XO substrate drugs
- azathioprine or mercaptopurine could increase plasma concentrations of these drugs resulting in severe toxicity
Who makes Febuxostat?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Febuxostat safe in pregnancy?
It is also not known whether Febuxostat can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Febuxostat should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
