Indications of Barif 40

Febuxostat is used to treat hyperuricemia in gout patients on a long-term basis. Febuxostat is not recommended for asymptomatic hyperuricemia therapy.

Pharmaceutical Name

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Pharmacology

Febuxostat is a selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor that is non-purine. It lowers serum uric acid levels by blocking the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which produces uric acid. Xanthine oxidase converts hypoxanthine to xanthine, which is then converted to uric acid. At therapeutic dosages, Febuxostat is unlikely to inhibit other enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine production and metabolism.

Dosage & Administration

Febuxostat is recommended at 40 mg or 80 mg once daily. The recommended starting dose of Febuxostat is 40 mg once daily. For patients who do not achieve a serum uric acid of less than 6 mg /dL after 2 weeks with 40 mg, Febuxostat 80 mg is recommended. Febuxostat can be administered without regard to food or antacid use. No dose adjustment is necessary when administering Febuxostat to patients with mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment.

Interaction of Barif 40

Febuxostat combined with azathioprine, mercaptopurine or theophylline will increase the plasma concentration of these drugs and cause serious toxicity.

Contraindications

Febuxostat is contraindicated in patients receiving azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or theophylline.

Side Effects of Barif 40

The most common adverse events associated with the use of Febuxostat may include liver function abnormalities, nausea, arthralgia, and rash.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Febuxostat should be used during pregnancy only if this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Febuxostat is administered to a nursing woman.

Precautions & Warnings

Gout Flare: An increase in gout flares is frequently observed during the initiation of anti-hyperuricemic agents, including Febuxostat. If a gout flare occurs during treatment, Febuxostat need not be discontinued. Prophylactic therapy (i.e., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine upon initiation of treatment) may be beneficial for up to six months.

Cardiovascular Events: A higher rate of cardiovascular thromboembolic events was observed in patients treated with febuxostat than allopurinol in clinical trials. Monitor for signs and symptoms of MI and stroke.

Liver Enzyme Elevation: Transaminase elevations have been observed in febuxostat-treated patients. Monitor liver function tests periodically.

Therapeutic Class

Drugs used in Gout

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Generic Name of Barif 40

Febuxostat