What is febuxostat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for
treating gout caused by excessive levels of uric acid in the blood
(hyperuricemia). Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of certain chemicals
(purines) in the body. Hyperuricemia occurs when the body produces more uric
acid than it can eliminate. The uric acid forms crystals in joints (gouty arthritis) and tissues, causing inflammation and pain. Elevated blood uric acid
levels also can cause kidney disease and kidney stones. Febuxostat prevents the
production of uric acid by blocking the activity of the enzyme (xanthine
oxidase) that converts purines to uric acid. Uric acid levels may fall to target
treatment levels within two weeks. Febuxostat and allopurinol (Zyloprim) are
similar in how they work, but the maximum dose of febuxostat is more effective
in reducing uric acid levels. The FDA approved febuxostat in February 2009.
What brand names are available for febuxostat?
Uloric
Is febuxostat available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
Do I need a prescription for febuxostat?
Yes
What are the side effects of febuxostat?
Common reactions to febuxostat include:
Other important, but less common side effects include:
- stroke,
- heart attack,
- anemia,
- hepatitis,
- hypersensitivity, and
- weight loss.
QUESTION
Gout is a form of arthritis.
See Answer
What is the dosage for febuxostat?
The recommended dose is 40 or 80 mg daily. It may be administered
with or without food, and it can be taken with antacids. Flares of gout may
increase after febuxostat is started as uric acid moves out of tissues. These
gout flares may be prevented with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for
example, indomethacin
[Indocin, Indocin-SR]) or colchicine.
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Which drugs or supplements interact with febuxostat?
Febuxostat may increase blood levels of mercaptopurine
(Purinethol), azathioprine (Imuran), and theophylline
(Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin) by reducing their
breakdown in the body. Therefore, febuxostat should not be administered with
mercaptopurine, azathioprine, and theophylline.
Is febuxostat safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of febuxostat in
pregnant women.
It is not known whether febuxostat is excreted in
human
milk.
What else should I know about febuxostat?
What preparations of febuxostat are available?
Tablets: 40 and 80 mg
How should I keep febuxostat stored?
Febuxostat should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C
(59 F to 86 F).