FIBURIK 40mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg is a prescription medication containing 40 milligrams of febuxostat as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. Febuxostat is a selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor used primarily to manage hyperuricemia associated with gout. It belongs to a class of drugs called urate-lowering agents and is available in the form of film-coated tablets. Each pack typically contains 30 tablets arranged in three blisters of 10 tablets each.

This medication is prescribed to patients who have elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, particularly those suffering from gout, a painful inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposition in joints. FIBURIK 40 mg works to lower serum uric acid levels, preventing gout attacks and long-term joint damage.

Unlike traditional treatments such as allopurinol, febuxostat offers an alternative for patients who are intolerant to or inadequately controlled with other urate-lowering therapies. It is especially beneficial for those with mild to moderate renal impairment due to its distinct metabolic pathway.

How to use FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg tablets should be taken orally once daily, with or without food. The tablets are film-coated and should be swallowed whole with a sufficient amount of water. It is essential to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment to achieve optimal results.

For best therapeutic outcomes, it is important to take the medication consistently at the same time each day. Starting treatment with FIBURIK may increase the risk of gout flares initially; therefore, physicians often recommend concomitant prophylactic therapy with anti-inflammatory agents like colchicine or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the first 3 to 6 months.

Patients should not discontinue treatment abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider, as sudden withdrawal can lead to rebound increases in uric acid levels. Regular monitoring of serum uric acid levels is advised to adjust dosing and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.

Mode of Action FIBURIK 40mg

Febuxostat, the active ingredient in FIBURIK 40 mg, functions as a selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme critical for purine metabolism. Xanthine oxidase catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and then xanthine to uric acid, which is the final product excreted by the kidneys.

By inhibiting this enzyme, febuxostat effectively reduces the production of uric acid, leading to lower serum uric acid levels. This reduction prevents the formation and deposition of urate crystals in joints and tissues, which are the primary cause of gout symptoms.

Febuxostat's selectivity for xanthine oxidase allows it to achieve potent urate-lowering effects without affecting other enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine metabolism. This selective inhibition contributes to a favorable safety profile and makes febuxostat suitable for patients with certain renal impairments.

FIBURIK 40mg Interactions FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg (febuxostat) may interact with several medications, so it is critical to inform your healthcare provider about all drugs you are currently taking. Notable interactions include:

• Mercaptopurine and Azathioprine: Febuxostat inhibits the enzyme responsible for metabolizing these drugs, leading to increased blood levels and toxicity risk. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
• Theophylline: Febuxostat may increase theophylline concentrations; monitor for signs of toxicity.
• Warfarin: While no significant interaction has been consistently reported, monitoring INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended during febuxostat therapy.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Colchicine: Often co-administered to reduce gout flare risk during initiation of febuxostat treatment, but careful dosing and monitoring are necessary.

Patients should avoid self-medicating or starting new drugs without consulting their physician to prevent adverse drug interactions.

Dosage of FIBURIK 40mg

The standard dosage of FIBURIK starts at 40 mg once daily. If serum uric acid levels are not adequately controlled (i.e., persistently above 6 mg/dL) after two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to 80 mg once daily according to clinical guidelines and patient response.

Dosing adjustments are generally not required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, in severe renal dysfunction or hepatic impairment, treatment should proceed under strict medical supervision.

The medication should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food, and patients should maintain adequate hydration to assist in uric acid excretion. Continuous therapy is usually necessary for long-term management of hyperuricemia associated with gout.

Possible side effects of FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg is generally well tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side effects. Common adverse effects include:

• Headache
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
• Rash or mild skin reactions
• Elevations in liver function tests (usually mild and reversible)

Less common but serious side effects may include:

• Severe allergic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Hepatotoxicity requiring drug discontinuation
• Cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke (especially in patients with prior heart disease)

Patients should seek immediate medical advice if experiencing symptoms like severe rash, jaundice, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Routine blood monitoring is recommended to detect potential adverse effects early.

FIBURIK 40mg Contraindications FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg should not be used in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to febuxostat or any formulation component
• Concurrent use of mercaptopurine or azathioprine due to risk of toxicity
• Severe liver impairment
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless potential benefits outweigh risks
• History of severe cardiovascular disease (use caution and consult a physician)

Patients with severe renal impairment or other serious medical conditions should use febuxostat only under close medical supervision.

Storage of FIBURIK 40mg

FIBURIK 40 mg tablets should be stored under the following conditions to maintain efficacy and safety:

• Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
• Protect from moisture and light by keeping the tablets in their original blister packaging until use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use tablets beyond the expiration date indicated on the packaging

Proper disposal of expired or unused medication should follow local regulations or pharmacy recommendations to avoid environmental contamination or accidental ingestion.