Fexostat 40mg tablet is a drug belonging to the class of xanthine oxidase inhibitors, containing the active ingredient febuxostat. It is used to treat gout. A gout is a form of arthritis caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body resulting in pain, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Gout can occur in the toe joint, ears, heels, knees, wrists, and fingers. This medication is also used to prevent and treat high blood levels of uric acid, which may occur when you begin to receive chemotherapy for blood cancers.
This drug decreases uric acid levels in the body, and it is also used in the prevention of TLS in patients. Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a medical emergency that can occur in patients with certain types of cancer, particularly haematological malignancies such as leukaemia and lymphoma, who are undergoing chemotherapy. TLS can occur when cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing large amounts of intracellular contents such as uric acid, potassium, and phosphate into the bloodstream. During the treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your white blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. This medicine has the potential to cause heart problems.
Inform the doctor if you have been diagnosed with liver disorders, heart failure, high blood cholesterol levels, or hypertension before starting this treatment. Report to your doctor if you experience any hypersensitive reactions like itchy skin or rashes while taking this medicine. This tablet contains lactose as an inactive ingredient in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It can cause symptoms such as bloating, and abdominal pain. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy.
Uses of Fexostat 40mg TabletTreatment of GoutTreatment of Chemotherapy for blood cancer Therapeutic Effects of Fexostat 40mg Tablet
It works by inhibiting the enzyme called xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which are responsible for the production of uric acid in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, this drug reduces the production of uric acid, which can help prevent gout attacks and the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and other tissues. Interaction of Fexostat 40mg Tablet with other drugsInform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Fexostat 40mg tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. More Information about Fexostat 40mg Tablet Store Fexostat 40mg tablet in the original package at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).Keep it out of reach from children.How to consume Fexostat 40mg TabletYour doctor will decide the dose and duration of Fexostat 40mg tablet based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet at the same time every day, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. If you forgot to take the tablet, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.Safety Advices for Fexostat 40mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Fexostat 40mg tablet is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is not known if Fexostat 40mg tablet pass into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is not known whether Fexostat 40mg tablet can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Fexostat 40mg tablet. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of Fexostat 40mg tablet. Stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Fexostat 40mg tablet, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Side Effects of Fexostat 40mg TabletSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Common
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
- Increase in gout symptoms
- Localised swelling due to retention of fluids in tissues
- Abnormal liver function
- Kidney problems
Word of AdviceFexostat 40mg tablet is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended to breastfeed during this treatment. When purines are broken down in the body, they create uric acid, which can contribute to gout, so it is necessary to avoid foods that are high in purines such as (spinach, meat, mushrooms, cauliflower, red meat like beef and pork). Foods that are low in purines, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are generally safe to eat. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking Fexostat 40mg tablet. This can help prevent the formation of kidney stones, which can be a side effect of the medication. Consuming alcohol while taking this drug may increase your risk of developing gout flares. It is recommended to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether while taking this tablet.FAQs Q 1. Can I drink alcohol while taking Fexostat 40mg tablet?It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Fexostat 40mg tablet, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Q 2. Why do cancer patients develop high uric acid?This can happen when a large number of cancer cells die rapidly in a short period of time. When the cancer cells die, they release uric acid into the bloodstream. As a result, the kidneys are unable to eliminate the uric acid quickly enough, leading to high uric acid levels in the body.
Q 3. What is the recommended dose of Fexostat 40mg tablet?The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily. If uric acid levels remain high after two to four weeks, the dose may be increased to 80 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 120 mg once daily.
Q 4. Can I stop taking Fexostat 40mg tablet if I feel better and have no pain or swelling in my joints?No, stopping the medicine without a doctor's advice can cause the uric acid levels to increase again, and gout attacks may return.
Q 5. What you should know while taking Fexostat 40mg tablet?You should have cautious while taking Fexostat 40mg tablet, it can cause heart problems like breathing difficulty, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and dizziness.
Fact Box of Fexostat 40mg TabletMolecule name: Febuxostat | Therapeutic class: Antihyperuricemic |
Pharmacological class: Xanthine oxidase inhibitors | Indications: 1. Treatment of Gout 2. Treatment of Chemotherapy for blood cancers |
