Febuxostat: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Febuxostat is a long-term treatment for gout. It is sold as tablets in Pakistan, under brands such as Feburic and many others.
How Febuxostat works
Febuxostat blocks xanthine oxidase, an enzyme the body uses to make uric acid. Lower uric acid means fewer crystals form in the joints, so gout attacks become less frequent over time.
What is Febuxostat used for?
- Long-term prevention of gout attacks in people with high uric acid
- Gout with tophi (lumps of uric acid crystals)
It is not used to treat a gout attack that has already started.
Side effects of Febuxostat
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Gout flares in the first months of treatment
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Rash
- Changes in liver tests
Get urgent help for chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side or slurred speech. Also report a severe rash, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Precautions and warnings
- Gout attacks can increase when you start it. Do not stop it; your doctor may give a medicine such as colchicine or a painkiller to prevent flares.
- Tell your doctor about heart disease or a past stroke.
- Do not take it with azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
- Your doctor will check liver function.
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
Frequently asked questions about Febuxostat
Why did my gout get worse after starting febuxostat?
As uric acid levels fall, crystals in the joints shift and can trigger attacks in the early months. This is expected and usually settles. Keep taking it and ask your doctor about flare prevention.
Febuxostat brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 30+ products containing Febuxostat from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.