Febustat 80 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET

Febustat 80 mg Tablet, manufactured by Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., is a medication primarily used for the chronic management of hyperuricemia in adult patients with gout. It is not recommended for the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

• Composition: Each tablet contains Febuxostat 80 mg as the active ingredient. Febuxostat is a non-purine, selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor that works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body, thereby lowering serum uric acid levels.

• Uses: Febustat 80 mg is indicated for the chronic management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout, including those with a history or presence of tophus and/or gouty arthritis. It helps to prevent gout attacks by maintaining normal uric acid levels.

• Dosage and Administration: The recommended dosage of Febustat is 40 mg or 80 mg once daily. The usual starting dose is 40 mg once daily. If the serum uric acid level is not below 6 mg/dL after two weeks, the dose may be increased to 80 mg once daily. The tablet can be administered without regard to food or antacid use.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include liver function abnormalities, nausea, arthralgia (joint pain), rash, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. Serious side effects can include cardiovascular thromboembolic events, severe skin reactions, and liver problems.

• Precautions: An increase in gout flares may occur during the initiation of treatment; prophylactic therapy may be beneficial. Monitor for signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke due to a higher rate of cardiovascular events observed with febuxostat compared to allopurinol in clinical trials. Liver function tests should be monitored periodically. Febustat is contraindicated with azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and theophylline due to potential toxicity. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients may experience dizziness or blurred vision and should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

• Storage: Febustat 80 mg Tablets should be stored below 30°C, away from light and moisture, and kept out of the reach of children.

What is FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET used for?

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET is primarily used for the chronic management of hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels in the blood) in adult patients with gout. It is prescribed for individuals who have an inadequate response to other treatments like allopurinol, are intolerant to allopurinol, or for whom allopurinol is not advisable. It helps to prevent severe gout attacks or flares by reducing uric acid levels, thereby lessening pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. It may also be used in the prevention and treatment of high uric acid levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies at intermediate to high risk of Tumor Lysis Syndrome.

How does FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET work?

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET contains febuxostat, which is a non-purine, selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor. It works by blocking the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, febuxostat effectively decreases the production of uric acid in the body, leading to lower serum uric acid levels.

What is the usual dosage of FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET?

The recommended starting dose of FEBUSTAT is usually 40 mg once daily. If a patient does not achieve a serum uric acid level less than 6 mg/dL after two weeks, the dose is typically increased to 80 mg once daily. The tablets can be taken orally with or without food. It is important to continue taking the medication daily as prescribed by your doctor, even when not experiencing a gout attack, to prevent symptoms from worsening.

What are the possible side effects of FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include liver function abnormalities, nausea, joint pain (arthralgia), rash, headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in gout flares when first starting the medicine. More serious, though less common, side effects can include cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke), severe skin reactions, and liver problems. It is important to monitor for signs and symptoms of these serious events and consult your doctor if they occur.

Is FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy. It falls under Pregnancy Category C, meaning there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is also not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk, and caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman, with some sources advising against its use while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET is contraindicated (should not be taken) with certain medications, including azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and didanosine, as concomitant administration can significantly increase plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to severe toxicity. Caution is advised if co-administered with theophylline as febuxostat can alter its metabolism. Always inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET?

Several precautions should be considered. An increase in gout flares is often observed when initiating treatment, and prophylactic therapy with an NSAID or colchicine may be recommended for up to six months. Patients with established cardiovascular disease should be monitored due to a potentially higher rate of cardiovascular events. Liver function tests should be monitored periodically as liver enzyme elevations have been reported. Caution is also advised for patients with kidney or thyroid problems. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established.

What happens if a dose of FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of FEBUSTAT 80 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 make up for a forgotten dose, as this could lead to dangerous side effects.

How should FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET be stored?

FEBUSTAT 80 MG TABLET should be stored below 30°C (86°F). It should be protected from light and moisture, and kept out of the reach of children. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.