Febuxostat is an antihyperuricemic drug that belongs to the class of medicines known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It was approved by the U.S. FDA on 13th of February 2009 to treat gout.

Febuxostat is prescribed to treat gout and it is also used in the treatment of Chemotherapy for blood cancers.

Febuxostat is to be administered orally. Swallow the whole tablet with water. If you forgot to take the tablet, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with febuxostat are diarrhea, headache, rash, nausea, increase in gout symptoms, localised swelling due to retention of fluids in tissues, and abnormal liver function. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

During the Febuxostat treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your white blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. This medicine has the potential to cause heart problems. People with a history of heart disease or stroke should be monitored closely while taking febuxostat, as it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Febuxostat can cause liver damage, so it should not be used in people with severe liver disease or those with a history of liver problems. Inform to the doctor if you have been diagnosed with liver disorders, heart failure, high blood cholesterol levels, or hypertension before starting this treatment.

This drug is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Febuxostat. Report to your doctor if you experience any hypersensitive reactions like itchy skin or rashes, while taking this medicine. This tablet contains lactose as an inactive ingredient in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It can cause symptoms such as bloating, and abdominal pain. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy.

It is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment. It is not known if Febuxostat passes into the breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended to breastfeed during this treatment. When purines are broken down in the body, they create uric acid, which can contribute to gout,so it is necessary to avoid foods that are high in purines such as (spinach, meat, mushrooms, cauliflower, red meat like beef and pork). Foods that are low in purines, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are generally safe to eat. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking febuxostat. This can help prevent the formation of kidney stones, which can be a side effect of the medication. Consuming alcohol while taking febuxostat may increase your risk of developing gout flares. It is recommended to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether while taking febuxostat.

1. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on March 2013] [ Accessed on 12th July 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021856s011lbl.pdf
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3. Takai, M. et al. (2014) Controlling serum uric acid using febuxostat in cancer patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome, Oncology letters. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4156226/ (Accessed on March 25, 2023).
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic agents; pharmacotherapy of gout, 12th edition, 2011, 1499.
5. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antirheumatoid and antigout drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 217.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.