Uloric (Febuxostat)

Description

Indications

Febuxostat is utilized in the treatment of gout among adults who were previously unsuccessful with or unable to consume allopurinol. Gout is a form of arthritis where uric acid, a naturally-occurring substance in the body, accumulates in the joints, resulting in sudden bouts of redness, swelling, pain, and heat in one or more joints.

Febuxostat belongs to a category of medications known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which operate by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. While febuxostat is used to prevent gout attacks, it is not intended for treating them once they have already occurred.

Uses and Dosage

Febuxostat is administered orally in tablet form. Typically, it is taken once per day with or without food. It should be taken at the same time every day.

Take febuxostat exactly as prescribed, neither more nor less, nor more frequently than directed by your doctor.

If a laboratory test reveals that you still have excessive uric acid in your blood after two weeks, your doctor may increase your dose of febuxostat.

It may take several months for febuxostat to start preventing gout attacks. During the first few months of your treatment, febuxostat may increase the number of gout attacks. To prevent these attacks during the first six months of your treatment, your doctor may prescribe another medication, such as colchicine, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Keep taking febuxostat even if you experience gout attacks during your early treatment.

Febuxostat manages gout but does not cure it. Even if you feel better, continue taking febuxostat. Do not cease taking febuxostat without first consulting with your doctor.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• nausea
• joint pain

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• rash
• skin redness or pain
• blistering of lips, eyes or mouth
• skin peeling
• fever and other flu-like symptoms
• swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
• yellow eyes or skin
• dark urine
• pain or discomfort in right upper stomach area

Caution

If you have any allergies, inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking febuxostat. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.

Prior to using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, especially if you have a history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, kidney disease, or organ transplant.

During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary after discussing the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unclear whether febuxostat passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Uloric is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Uloric tablet:
  • 40mg
  • 80mg
• febuxostat tablet:
  • 40mg
  • 80mg
  • 120mg

FAQ

Can you drink alcohol while taking Uloric?

Patients taking Uloric are advised to avoid alcohol completely.

How long does it take for Uloric to take effect?

It can take six months to become fully effective.

Resources

1. https://corkrheumatology.com/medications/uloric-febuxostat/#:~:text=Important%20Tests%20and%20Risks&text=It%20is%20important%20to%20make,advised%20to%20avoid%20alcohol%20completely
2. https://patient.info/medicine/febuxostat-to-prevent-gout-attacks-adenuric#:~:text=It%20can%20take%20six%20months,short%20while%20before%20they%20fall
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/febuxostat-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20074780?p=1
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-151872/uloric-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609020.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/uloric.html