Febuxostat - oral

Febuxostat is used to reduce the high level of uric acid in the body.

Build-up of uric acid in your body can cause gout, gouty arthritis, kidney or urinary tract stones. This medicine is used to prevent or treat these conditions.

This medicine may also be used to treat or prevent high levels of uric acid in the blood that may occur during cancer treatment.

Take Febuxostat exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.

Febuxostat must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Febuxostat with certain medicine for cancer or with medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of an allergic reaction to allopurinol (other medicine for high uric acid level in the blood)
• heart disease e.g. previous heart attack, chest pain, heart failure
• thyroid disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a rare inherited disorder in which there is too much uric acid in the blood)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Febuxostat to individuals who had an organ transplant. These individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. uric acid levels, liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.

Febuxostat may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, joint or muscle pain, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand, fatigue, tiredness, and skin rash or itch.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth, or rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• chest pain, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
• signs and symptoms of a liver problem e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Febuxostat with mercaptopurine (certain medicine for cancer) or with azathioprine (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders).

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

In order to prevent future gout attacks, it is important to be mindful of your diet:

Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Avoid foods high in purine, such as organ meat, seafood and oily fish. Other foods with purine content, such as meat, poultry, or fish, may be eaten in moderation.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet low in highly processed foods and refined sugar (sugar that is commonly found in processed foods including soft drinks, candies, and canned fruits).

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.