Febuxostat Genepharm Special Precautions

Talk to the doctor before taking Febuxostat Genepharm: If with existing or history of heart failure, heart problems or stroke; If with existing or history of renal disease and/or serious allergic reaction to allopurinol (a medication used for the treatment of gout); If with existing or history of liver disease or liver function test abnormalities; If being treated for high uric acid levels as a result of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a rare inherited condition in which there is too much uric acid in the blood); If with thyroid problems.
Should allergic reactions to Febuxostat Genepharm be experienced, stop taking this medicine (see also Side Effects). Possible symptoms of allergic reactions might be: rash including severe forms (e.g. blisters, nodules, itchy, exfoliative rash), itchiness; swelling of limbs or face; difficulties in breathing; fever with enlarged lymph nodes; serious life-threatening allergic conditions with cardiac and circulatory arrest. The doctor might decide to permanently stop treatment with Febuxostat Genepharm.
There have been rare reports of potentially life-threatening skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) with the use of febuxostat, appearing initially as reddish target-like spots or circular patches often with central blister on the trunk. It may also include ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes). The rash may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin. If Stevens-Johnson Syndrome has developed with the use of febuxostat, Febuxostat Genepharm must not be restarted at any time. If a rash or these skin symptoms developed, seek immediate advice from a doctor and tell that this medicine is being taken.
If having a gout attack at the moment (a sudden onset of severe pain, tenderness, redness, warmth and swelling in a joint), wait for the gout attack to subside before first starting treatment with Febuxostat Genepharm.
For some people, gout attacks may flare up when starting certain medicines that control uric acid levels. Not everyone gets flares, but a flare-up could occur even if taking Febuxostat Genepharm, and especially during the first weeks or months of treatment. It is important to keep taking Febuxostat Genepharm even if having a flare, as Febuxostat Genepharm is still working to lower uric acid. Over time, gout flares will occur less often and be less painful if taking Febuxostat Genepharm is kept every day.
The doctor will often prescribe other medicines, if they are needed, to help prevent or treat the symptoms of flares (such as pain and swelling in a joint).
In patients with very high urate levels (e.g. those undergoing cancer chemotherapy), treatment with uric acid-lowering medicines could lead to the build-up of xanthine in the urinary tract, with possible stones.
The doctor may ask to have blood tests to check that the liver is working normally.
Gout patients with established cardiovascular (CV) disease treated with febuxostat had a higher rate of CV death compared to those treated with allopurinol in a CV outcomes study.
Consider the risks and benefits of febuxostat when deciding to prescribe or continue patients on Febuxostat Genepharm. Febuxostat Genepharm should only be used in patients who have an inadequate response to a maximally titrated dose of allopurinol, who are intolerant to allopurinol, or for whom treatment with allopurinol is not advisable.
Febuxostat Genepharm contains lactose: Febuxostat Genepharm tablets contain lactose (a type of sugar). If with an intolerance to some sugars as told by the doctor, contact the doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines: Be aware that dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision and numbness or tingling sensation may be experienced during treatment and driving or operating machines should not be done if affected.
Use in Children: Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 18 because the safety and efficacy have not been established.