Febus 40mg Tablet

Uses of Febus 40mg Tablet

Treatment of-

• Gout
• Increased Uric Acid Level In the Blood

How does Febus 40mg Tablet work?

Febus 40mg Tablet works by blocking the action of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the process of converting hypoxanthine into uric acid (purine metabolism pathway). This type of action reduces high uric acid levels in gout and blood cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Side Effects of Febus 40mg Tablet

• Headache
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Gout flares
• Nausea
• Abnormal liver function
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Dizziness
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision

Quick Suggestions:

• Take Febus 40mg Tablet at the same time every day, with or without food.
• Stay well hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids, aiming for 2-3 liters per day, while taking Febus 40mg Tablet.
• When you first start taking the medication, you may experience more gout attacks. It is important not to stop taking Febus 40mg Tablet during an acute gout attack, as discontinuing the medication can worsen the attack.
• Consider including supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin D, and calcium in your diet, as they may help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
• Turmeric and fish are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial in reducing tissue inflammation.
• Avoid engaging in heavy exercise, as it can increase joint pain in arthritis. Instead, opt for low-impact aerobic activities like walking on a treadmill and swimming. You can also incorporate light weightlifting to strengthen your muscles.
• Pay attention to your sitting posture, especially when experiencing pain and inflammation. Try to minimize sitting for extended periods and use back support, such as a rolled-up towel, to alleviate pain in the spine. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle, and consider using a footrest if needed.
• Limit consumption of foods high in purine, such as organ meats (kidneys, liver, sweetbreads) and oily fish (sardines, anchovies, herring).
• Avoid drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages and instead drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to consult your doctor and monitor your uric acid levels about two weeks after starting Febus 40mg Tablet, aiming for a blood uric acid level of less than 6 mg/dL.
• If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, breathing difficulties, fever, or swelling of limbs or face, stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor.

Indication

Febus 40mg Tablet belongs to the group of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors, used for decreasing the symptoms of gouty arthritis.

Pharmacology

Febus 40mg Tablet is a selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor that specifically targets the enzyme xanthine oxidase. By inhibiting this enzyme, Febus 40mg Tablet reduces the production of uric acid, thus lowering serum uric acid levels.

The primary mechanism of action of Febus 40mg Tablet involves blocking xanthine oxidase, which converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid. By inhibiting this conversion, Febus 40mg Tablet helps prevent the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, reducing the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

It's worth noting that Febus 40mg Tablet is a non-purine inhibitor, meaning it does not contain a purine structure like some other gout medications. This characteristic makes Febus 40mg Tablet less likely to interfere with other enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine production and metabolism, focusing primarily on inhibiting xanthine oxidase.

By specifically targeting xanthine oxidase, Febus 40mg Tablet provides a targeted approach to managing gout and reducing serum uric acid levels.

Dosage & Administration of Febus 40mg Tablet

The dosage and administration details for Febus 40mg Tablet (febuxostat).

The recommended administration instructions for Febus 40mg Tablet are as follows:

• It may be taken with or without food.
• It can be taken without regard to antacid use.

The adult dosage for chronic gout is as follows:

• Initial dose: 40 mg per day orally.
• Maintenance dose: 40-80 mg per day orally. The dosage may be increased if the serum uric acid level remains above 6 mg/dL after two weeks of treatment.

Regarding hepatic impairment:

• Mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): No dosage adjustment is necessary.
• Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Data is not available. Use caution in these cases.

For pediatric patients:

• The safety and efficacy of Febus 40mg Tablet have not been established in children, so the appropriate dosage for children has not been determined.

In patients with renal impairment:

• Mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] 30-89 mL/min): No dosage adjustment is necessary.
• Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): Data is not available. Use caution in these cases.

It's important to note that these dosage recommendations are general guidelines, and individual dosing may vary based on the patient's specific condition and response to treatment. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider for the most accurate and personalized dosage information.

Interaction

Drug-Drug Interactions:

• Febus 40mg Tablet may interact with anticancer medications such as mercaptopurine and methotrexate.
• It can also interact with immunosuppressant medications like azathioprine.
• The interaction may occur with antidiabetic medications, specifically rosiglitazone.
• Antiasthma medications like theophylline can also interact with Febus 40mg Tablet.

Drug-Food Interactions:

• Alcohol intake should be avoided while taking Febus 40mg Tablet, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• It is recommended to limit the consumption of purine-rich foods.

Drug-Disease Interactions:

• Inform your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medications.
• Individuals with hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood), heart diseases, liver diseases, or kidney diseases should discuss their condition with the doctor before taking Febus 40mg Tablet

Contraindications

Patients being treated with azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or theophylline should exercise caution when using Febus 40mg Tablet (febuxostat) due to potential drug interactions. Febuxostat may increase the levels of these medications in the body, leading to an increased risk of side effects. It is important to monitor the patient closely for any signs of toxicity or adverse reactions when using Febus 40mg Tablet concurrent with azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or theophylline.

In such cases, it is advisable for the patient's healthcare provider to adjust the dosage of these medications as necessary and closely monitor their response to treatment. The healthcare provider will consider the potential benefits and risks of co-administering these drugs and make an informed decision based on the individual patient's condition. Regular monitoring of blood levels and clinical evaluation are crucial to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications together.

It is recommended to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure appropriate management and minimize the risk of drug interactions. Your healthcare provider is in the best position to provide personalized advice and guidance regarding the simultaneous use of Febus 40mg Tablet with azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or theophylline.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Febuxostat is classified as pregnancy category C by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that there are no sufficient and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. The use of Febuxostat during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Regarding breastfeeding, it is not known whether Febuxostat is excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Febuxostat in breastfeeding mothers. The potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice in such situations.

Precautions & Warnings

• Cardiovascular Death: In a cardiovascular outcomes study, patients with established cardiovascular disease who were treated with Febuxostat had a higher rate of cardiovascular death compared to those treated with allopurinol. When prescribing Febuxostat or deciding to continue treatment, the risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Gout Flare: During the initiation of anti-hyperuricemic agents, including Febuxostat, an increase in gout flares is frequently observed. It is common for gout flares to occur when starting Febuxostat, and the medication does not need to be stopped in such cases. Prophylactic therapy with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine at the beginning of treatment may be effective in preventing gout flares for up to six months.
• Cardiovascular Events: Clinical trials have shown that patients treated with Febuxostat have a higher rate of cardiovascular thromboembolic events compared to those treated with allopurinol. It is important to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while on treatment with Febuxostat.
• Transaminase Elevation: Elevated transaminase levels have been observed in patients treated with Febuxostat. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended. If a gout flare occurs during treatment, Febuxostat does not need to be discontinued. Prophylactic therapy with an NSAID or colchicine at the start of treatment may be beneficial for up to six months.
• Lactation: It is unknown whether Febuxostat is excreted into breast milk. Caution should be exercised when using Febuxostat in lactating women.

Storage Conditions

Keep the temperature below 30°C and away from light and moisture. Keep out of children's reach.