What is Febuxostat (Adenuric)?
Febuxostat works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. Excess uric acid production can lead to gout and kidney stones. Febuxostat is used to treat gout. However, Adenuric is not recommended for treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood).
How do I take Adenuric?
The usual dose is one 80 mg or 120 mg tablet per day. You may take Adenuric with or without food. You may also take this medication with antacids. Additionally, you can take Adenuric without changing the doses of concomitant medications including colchicine, naproxen, indomethacin, and warfarin.
What are the reasons to consult a doctor before taking Febuxostat (Adenuric)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to febuxostat, or if you are being treated with any of these medications:
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Azathioprine (Imuran), or
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Mercaptopurine (Purinethol), or
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Theophylline (Uniphyl).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking febuxostat, ask your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
What are the possible side effects of Febuxostat (Adenuric)?
Seek emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking febuxostat and call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects:
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Chest pain, heavy feeling in the chest, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or general feeling of illness.
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Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance.
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Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding.
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Nausea, stomach pain, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice.
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Blood in your urine.
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Urinating less than usual.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
What safety information should I know regarding Adenuric?
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Some patients experience acute gout when starting Adenuric. Your doctor should prescribe another medication to help control or prevent worsening of gout.
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Do not stop taking this medication if you experience a flare-up of gout symptoms without consulting your doctor.
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You may undergo laboratory tests including uric acid levels, kidney, liver, and heart function while using this medication.
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Elderly patients should take Adenuric with caution, as they may be more sensitive to its effects.
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Adenuric should be given with extreme caution to children under 18 years of age, as the safety and efficacy of the medication in children have not yet been established.
What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?
If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You should consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Adenuric during pregnancy. It is unknown whether this medication is excreted in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed while taking Adenuric, you should follow up with your doctor. Please ask your doctor about any potential risks to the child.
Interaction of this medication with other drugs:
Febuxostat should not be taken with the following medications: azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and theophylline. Consult your doctor before starting any medication.
