Furic 80mg Tab

Description

“Furic 80mg Tab” refers to a tablet containing Febuxostat 80mg. Febuxostat is a medication primarily used to treat and prevent gout by lowering high levels of uric acid in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors.

Active Ingredient:

• Febuxostat 80mg: This is a non-purine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase.

Mechanism of Action: Febuxostat works by:

• Inhibiting Xanthine Oxidase: It selectively blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This enzyme is responsible for converting purines (substances naturally found in the body and in certain foods) into uric acid.
• Reducing Uric Acid Production: By inhibiting xanthine oxidase, Febuxostat significantly reduces the production of uric acid in the body.
• Lowering Blood Uric Acid Levels: This leads to a decrease in serum uric acid levels, preventing the formation and deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, kidneys, and other tissues.

Key Uses: Furic 80mg is primarily used for:

1. Chronic Management of Hyperuricemia in Patients with Gout: Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. Febuxostat helps to keep uric acid levels low to prevent these attacks and the long-term damage caused by urate crystals. It is often used in patients who have not responded well to allopurinol (another common gout medication) or who cannot tolerate allopurinol.
2. Management of High Uric Acid Levels in Blood Cancer Patients undergoing Chemotherapy: In some cancer patients, rapid cell breakdown during chemotherapy can lead to a sudden increase in uric acid levels (tumor lysis syndrome), which can cause kidney problems. Febuxostat can be used to prevent this.

Side Effects

While effective, Furic 80mg can have side effects. Some are common and mild, while others are more serious and require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects (usually mild and may resolve over time):

• Gout flares: Paradoxically, when starting Febuxostat, uric acid crystals can be mobilized, potentially leading to an increase in gout attacks during the first few weeks or months of treatment. This doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working; it’s a sign that uric acid levels are changing. Your doctor may prescribe an NSAID or colchicine during this initial period to prevent flares.
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Abnormal liver function test results (elevation in liver enzymes)
• Joint pain (arthralgia)
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Localized swelling (edema)

Less Common / Potentially More Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention if experienced):

• Serious Liver Problems: Symptoms like persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), light-colored stools, severe stomach pain.
• Cardiovascular Events: Although studies have shown conflicting results, there has been some concern about a higher rate of cardiovascular thromboembolic events (like heart attack or stroke) in patients treated with febuxostat, especially in those with a history of major cardiovascular disease. Report symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or sudden blurred vision immediately.
• Severe Skin Reactions (Rare but life-threatening): Such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), characterized by painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off, blisters on skin, mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals.
• Severe Allergic Reactions (DRESS syndrome – Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms): Rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, breathing problems, racing heart, general ill feeling.
• Dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision, numbness or tingling sensation (can affect driving ability).
• Thyroid function test abnormalities (increased TSH).

Precautions

It is crucial to use Furic 80mg under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

1. Initial Gout Flares: Be prepared for potential increased gout attacks when starting treatment. Do not stop the medication if this happens; instead, manage the flare with pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your doctor (e.g., NSAIDs, colchicine).
2. Cardiovascular Disease: If you have a history of heart problems, heart failure, heart attack, or stroke, inform your doctor. They will carefully weigh the benefits and risks and monitor you closely.
3. Liver and Kidney Problems: Use with caution in patients with severe liver or kidney disease. Dosage adjustment may be necessary. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is usually recommended.
4. Allergies: Do not take Furic 80mg if you are allergic to febuxostat or any of its ingredients. Also, inform your doctor if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to allopurinol.
5. Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. Significant interactions include:
   • Mercaptopurine or Azathioprine: Febuxostat can significantly increase the levels of these drugs (used in cancer treatment or as immunosuppressants), leading to severe toxicity. Concomitant use is generally contraindicated.
   • Theophylline: Febuxostat may increase theophylline levels (used for asthma/COPD).
   • Other xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Furic 80mg is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety data and potential harm to the baby. Consult your doctor.
7. Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome: Use with caution in patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome due to potential effects on uric acid metabolism.
8. Thyroid Disorders: Patients with thyroid problems should use it with caution, as it may affect thyroid hormone levels.
9. Driving/Operating Machinery: As it can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
10. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 liters) daily while on this medication, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
11. Regular Monitoring: Your doctor will regularly monitor your serum uric acid levels, liver function, and potentially other parameters (like kidney function).

Prescription Information

• Availability: Furic 80mg is a prescription-only medication in Nepal and most other countries. It should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
• Dosage: The typical dose for chronic management of gout is usually 40mg once daily initially, and if the serum uric acid level does not fall below 6 mg/dL after two weeks, the dose may be increased to 80mg once daily.
  • Administration: Take the tablet orally, with or without food. Take it at the same time each day for consistency.
• Consistency: Take the medication regularly as advised by your physician, even if you are not experiencing gout attacks, to maintain low uric acid levels. It is a long-term treatment.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (typically below 25-30°C), away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.