Febu 40mg Tab

Description

Febuxostat is a medication primarily used for the long-term management of chronic hyperuricemia in adults with gout. Hyperuricemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product formed during the breakdown of purines, which are natural substances found in many foods and also produced by the body.

In gout, the excess uric acid can form sharp, needle-like crystals that accumulate in and around the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. These are known as gout flares or attacks. Over time, persistent high uric acid levels can also lead to joint damage and the formation of uric acid kidney stones.

Febuxostat belongs to a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It works by selectively blocking the action of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which plays a crucial role in the body’s production of uric acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, febuxostat effectively reduces the amount of uric acid produced, thereby lowering uric acid levels in the blood. This reduction in uric acid helps to:

• Prevent the formation of new uric acid crystals: By keeping uric acid levels low, it reduces the likelihood of crystals forming in the joints and other tissues.
• Dissolve existing uric acid crystals: Over time, maintaining low uric acid levels can help to dissolve the urate crystals that have already formed, which can lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
• Reduce inflammation and pain: By preventing crystal formation and promoting their dissolution, it indirectly reduces the inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with gout.

It’s important to understand that febuxostat is a preventive medication for gout, not a painkiller for acute attacks. In fact, when first starting febuxostat or increasing the dose, some patients may experience a temporary increase in gout flares as the uric acid crystals begin to dissolve and mobilize. Doctors often prescribe a short course of an anti-inflammatory drug (like an NSAID or colchicine) along with febuxostat during the initial months of treatment to help prevent or manage these “flare-ups.”

Febuxostat is typically considered for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond adequately to allopurinol, another common xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for gout. Regular blood tests are often required to monitor liver function, as liver enzyme abnormalities can be a side effect. It’s crucial for patients to continue taking febuxostat as prescribed by their doctor, even during symptom-free periods, to maintain low uric acid levels and prevent future gout attacks.