Febustat 20 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

FEBUSTAT 20 MG TABLET

Febustat 20mg Tablet is a medication manufactured by Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., primarily prescribed for the management of gout and conditions associated with high uric acid levels in the blood.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Febuxostat
  • Brand Name: Febustat 20mg Tablet

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Febuxostat 20 mg as the active ingredient.

• Uses: Febustat 20mg Tablet is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that works by decreasing the production of uric acid in the body. It is used for:

  • Treatment and Prevention of Gout: Manages chronic hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels in the blood) in adults with gout, particularly when other uric acid-lowering medicines like allopurinol are not effective or tolerated. It helps prevent gout flares, reduces joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, and can aid in dissolving existing uric acid crystals.
  • Hyperuricemia in Chemotherapy: Manages high blood levels of uric acid in blood cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent tumor lysis syndrome.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Febustat 20mg Tablet is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food.
  • It is advised to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
  • The initial dose for gout is often 40 mg once daily, which may be increased to 80 mg after two weeks if the serum uric acid level remains above 6 mg/dL.
  • Continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even during periods without gout attacks, as stopping can worsen symptoms.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Abnormal liver test results, diarrhea, headache, rash, nausea, joint pain, dizziness, and localized swelling (edema). An increase in gout symptoms or gout flare-ups may occur when first starting treatment.
  • Serious Side Effects: Can include heart problems (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, symptoms of a stroke), liver problems (e.g., fatigue, upper stomach pain, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes), and severe skin and allergic reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if any serious side effects occur.

• Precautions:

  • Cardiovascular Risk: Febustat may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart disease and generally only when allopurinol is not suitable.
  • Liver and Kidney Impairment: Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease may require close monitoring of liver and kidney function, and dosage adjustments may be necessary, especially in severe renal impairment.
  • Gout Flares: Initial treatment may trigger gout flares. Your doctor may prescribe prophylactic medication (like NSAIDs or colchicine) to manage these.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor.
  • Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with mercaptopurine or azathioprine is not recommended due to the risk of severe toxicity.
  • Alcohol Consumption: It is advisable to avoid or minimize alcohol intake as it may exacerbate gout symptoms.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision, which could impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

• Storage:

  • Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are frequently asked questions and their answers regarding FEBUSTAT 20 MG TABLET.

What is FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet used for?

FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet is primarily used for the long-term management of chronic gout and hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood) in adults. It is typically prescribed when other uric acid-lowering medications, such as allopurinol, are not effective or cannot be tolerated. By reducing uric acid production, it helps prevent gout attacks, dissolves existing uric acid crystals, and prevents further joint damage.

How does FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet work?

FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet contains Febuxostat, which is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which is crucial in the body's process of producing uric acid from purines. By inhibiting this enzyme, Febuxostat effectively decreases the levels of uric acid in your blood, thereby preventing the formation of uric acid crystals that cause gout and its associated inflammation and pain.

What is the usual dosage of FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet?

The typical starting dosage for adults is 40 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose to 80 mg once daily after two weeks if the target serum uric acid level (usually below 6 mg/dL) is not achieved. In some cases, the dose may be increased to 120 mg daily, particularly in chronic gout management or for prophylaxis in certain conditions like tumor lysis syndrome. FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.

What are the possible side effects of FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet?

Common side effects include nausea, joint pain (arthralgia), rash, headache, diarrhea, and abnormal liver function test results. Some individuals may experience an increase in gout flares when first starting the medication as uric acid crystals begin to mobilize. Serious side effects, although less common, can include severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), anaphylaxis, and liver problems. There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular-related death in patients with known cardiovascular disease compared to allopurinol, hence its use is generally limited to second-line therapy.

Is FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, and potential risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor. Similarly, caution is advised while taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk. It is best to consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet can interact with certain medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, you are currently taking. Concomitant use with immunosuppressants like azathioprine and mercaptopurine is generally not recommended due to an increased risk of severe toxicity and bone marrow suppression. Theophylline also requires caution if co-administered.

What precautions should be taken while using FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet?

Precautions include monitoring for symptoms of liver disease (e.g., persistent nausea, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes) and cardiovascular problems (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, numbness/weakness). Patients with a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease should use this medicine with caution and under close medical supervision. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout flares. Initially, gout flares may occur; your doctor might prescribe additional medications to manage these. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose of FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet be stored?

FEBUSTAT 20 MG Tablet should be stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C, and generally below 30°C. Keep the medicine away from heat, moisture, and direct light to maintain its effectiveness. Always keep this medicine out of reach of children and use it before its expiry date.