About Febutaz 40 Tablet
Febutaz 40 Tablet contains Febuxostat 40 mg. Febuxostat lowers the level of uric acid in the blood. It is used for long-term treatment of gout in people who have had gout attacks or uric acid deposits (tophi). It does not treat a gout attack that is already happening, and gout attacks may happen more often in the first few months.
Uses of Febutaz 40 Tablet
- Long-term lowering of uric acid in people with gout
Benefits
In gout
Lowering uric acid over time helps prevent new crystals forming in the joints. This can reduce how often gout attacks happen and help shrink uric acid deposits.
Side effects
Gout flares in the first months do not mean the medicine is not working. Do not stop it; your doctor may give another medicine to prevent flares.
Common
- Gout flares, especially in the first months
- Abnormal liver blood tests
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
- Swelling of the legs
Get medical help if you notice
- Chest pain, breathlessness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or sudden weakness, numbness or trouble speaking — seek emergency care
- Severe skin rash with blistering, peeling or mouth sores, or rash with fever — stop taking it and seek emergency care
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness — contact your doctor
- Swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, once a day. Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food. Keep taking it even during a gout attack, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
How it works
It blocks xanthine oxidase, the enzyme the body uses to make uric acid. Less uric acid means fewer crystals can form in the joints.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, can raise uric acid and trigger gout attacks. Limit it.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor.
Driving Caution
It can occasionally cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; your doctor will decide if it is suitable.
Liver Caution
Your doctor will check your liver tests before and during treatment.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Keep taking it even if you have a gout attack, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease or a stroke.
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Keep your appointments for blood tests to check uric acid and liver function.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Thiazole carboxylic acid derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Musculoskeletal / anti-gout
- Action class
- Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Azathioprine and mercaptopurine | Their levels can rise to dangerous amounts; they should not be taken together |
| Theophylline | Its levels may rise; your doctor may monitor you |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Febuxostat prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA labelling for febuxostat, including boxed warning (2019)). Pharmacist review pending.