You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Febuxostat
Febuxostat is a medication used to treat gout, a type of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. Gout leads to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, redness, and swelling. Febuxostat works by reducing the production of uric acid, thereby lowering its levels in the blood and helping to prevent gout flares. It is generally prescribed to patients who are unable to take or tolerate allopurinol, another commonly used gout medication.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Febuxostat ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Febuxostat to lower uric acid levels?
It may take several weeks for febuxostat to lower uric acid levels, but you should start seeing reductions within 2 to 4 weeks. Regular monitoring of uric acid levels is necessary to adjust the dose.
Can Febuxostat cause gout flares?
Yes, febuxostat can cause gout flares when starting treatment, as it mobilizes uric acid crystals from the joints. These flares should become less frequent over time. Your doctor may prescribe colchicine or an NSAID during the initial months of treatment to manage this risk.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Febuxostat?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the regular time. Do not double up on doses.
Can Febuxostat be taken with food?
Yes, febuxostat can be taken with or without food, depending on your preference. However, it is important to take it at the same time each day for consistent blood levels.
Is Febuxostat safe for long-term use?
Febuxostat is generally safe for long-term use when monitored regularly by a healthcare provider. However, because of the increased risk of cardiovascular events, it is important to undergo regular health checks and liver function tests.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Febuxostat Work?
Febuxostat works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting xanthine into uric acid in the body. By blocking this enzyme, febuxostat reduces the production of uric acid, thereby lowering blood uric acid levels. Over time, this helps prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and reduces the frequency of gout attacks.
What is Febuxostat Used For?
FDA indications: Febuxostat is used to treat a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body, known as gout.
Offlabel uses: While primarily used for gout, Febuxostat is sometimes used to prevent tumor lysis syndrome (complications from rapid cell breakdown) in cancer patients.
Common Dosages
The common dosage for febuxostat depends on the patient’s uric acid levels and response to treatment:
- 40 mg once daily is typically the starting dose.
- 80 mg once daily is used if serum uric acid levels are not adequately controlled at the lower dose.
Typical Dosing
- For gout management: Start with 40 mg once daily, which can be increased to 80 mg once daily if uric acid levels remain above 6 mg/dL after two weeks of treatment.
- Febuxostat can be taken with or without food. Regular monitoring of uric acid levels is recommended to determine the appropriate dose.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Chronic management of hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) in patients with gout.
- Prevention of gout flares in patients who experience frequent and severe gout attacks.
Off-Label Uses
Who Shouldn't Take Febuxostat?
- Known hypersensitivity to febuxostat or any components of the formulation.
- Severe liver disease without proper monitoring.
- History of severe cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack or stroke, as febuxostat has been associated with an increased risk of these events.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Febuxostat may increase the risk of gout flares when starting treatment, so your doctor may prescribe another medication, such as colchicine or an NSAID, for the first few months to help manage these flares.
- Take febuxostat once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent kidney stones and maintain healthy kidney function.
- It is important to continue taking febuxostat even if you do not have symptoms, as this medication is meant for long-term management of uric acid levels.
- Regular blood tests will be needed to monitor your uric acid levels and assess liver function.
Side Effects of Febuxostat
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Rash
- Joint pain (during initial treatment due to gout flare-ups)
- Liver function abnormalities
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Cardiovascular events: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat).
- Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, fatigue).
- Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
Risks and Warnings of Febuxostat
- Cardiovascular Risk: Febuxostat has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with pre-existing heart disease. Patients with a history of heart problems should discuss the risks with their healthcare provider before starting febuxostat.
- Liver Monitoring: Liver function tests should be conducted regularly during treatment, as febuxostat can cause liver damage.
- Gout Flares: It is common to experience gout flares when starting febuxostat, as it mobilizes uric acid deposits in the joints. Over time, the frequency and severity of flares should decrease.
Interactions with Febuxostat
Common Drug Interactions
- Azathioprine and mercaptopurine: These drugs should not be taken with febuxostat, as febuxostat can increase their levels, leading to toxicity.
- Theophylline: Febuxostat can increase the levels of theophylline in the blood, leading to potential side effects.
- NSAIDs and colchicine: These medications are often used in conjunction with febuxostat during the early phase of treatment to prevent gout flares.
Common Food Interactions
Alternatives to Febuxostat
- Allopurinol: A xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is commonly used as a first-line treatment for gout and hyperuricemia.
- Probenecid: A uricosuric agent that increases the excretion of uric acid in the urine, lowering blood levels.
- Pegloticase (Krystexxa): A biologic treatment for chronic gout in patients who do not respond to conventional therapy.
