ADENURIC 120mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ADENURIC 120mg

ADENURIC 120mg is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient Febuxostat. It belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. ADENURIC is primarily used to treat chronic gout and hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood), especially in patients who are intolerant to or have not responded well to other uric acid-lowering therapies like allopurinol.

• Indication: It is indicated for reducing serum uric acid levels to prevent gout attacks and related complications.
• Formulation: The medicine is available as film-coated tablets, each containing 120 mg of febuxostat, designed for oral administration.
• Packaging: ADENURIC 120mg typically comes in packs of 28 tablets, often arranged as 14 tablets per blister, with 2 blisters per pack.
• Purpose: By lowering uric acid levels, ADENURIC helps prevent gout flares, formation of uric acid crystals in joints, and long-term joint damage.
• Usage: It is prescribed for adults with gout and should be used under medical supervision due to the need for dose adjustment and monitoring.

How to use ADENURIC 120mg

Proper use of ADENURIC 120mg is crucial to maximize its benefits and minimize side effects. Follow these guidelines carefully:

• Consult your doctor: Before starting, inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history, allergies, and any other medications you are taking.
• Dosage: The usual starting dose is 40 mg or 80 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose to 120 mg once daily depending on your uric acid levels and response.
• Administration: Take the tablet orally, once daily, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day to maintain even drug levels in your bloodstream.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush uric acid and prevent kidney stones.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: Do not stop taking ADENURIC without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve.
• Monitoring: Regular blood tests are recommended to check uric acid levels and liver function during treatment.
• Managing gout attacks: Starting febuxostat may temporarily increase gout attacks; your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to prevent or treat these flare-ups.

Mode of Action ADENURIC 120mg

ADENURIC 120mg works by targeting the underlying cause of gout and hyperuricemia—excess uric acid production. Its mechanism of action involves:

• Xanthine oxidase inhibition: Febuxostat selectively inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid.
• Reduction of uric acid: By blocking this enzyme, febuxostat reduces the synthesis of uric acid, lowering its concentration in the blood.
• Prevention of crystal formation: Lower uric acid levels help prevent the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and tissues, which cause painful gout attacks.
• Selective action: Unlike some other drugs, febuxostat does not inhibit other enzymes involved in purine metabolism, making it more selective and potentially better tolerated.
• Long-lasting effect: The medication’s action maintains a steady reduction in serum uric acid, contributing to fewer flare-ups and slower disease progression.

ADENURIC 120mg Interactions ADENURIC 120mg

ADENURIC (Febuxostat) can interact with several medications, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects. Important drug interactions include:

• Theophylline: Febuxostat may increase the blood levels of theophylline, raising the risk of toxicity.
• Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine: Febuxostat inhibits xanthine oxidase, which metabolizes these drugs. Concomitant use can cause dangerous increases in azathioprine or mercaptopurine levels, risking severe bone marrow suppression.
• Warfarin: Febuxostat may alter INR values; close monitoring of anticoagulation is needed when used together.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These are often prescribed during the initial treatment phase to manage gout flares, but caution is required as both drugs can affect kidney function.
• Other uric acid-lowering agents: Combining febuxostat with drugs like probenecid should be done under medical supervision to avoid excessive lowering of uric acid.
• Consultation advised: Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid harmful interactions.

Dosage of ADENURIC 120mg

The dosing regimen of ADENURIC 120mg must be tailored to the patient's clinical condition and serum uric acid levels. General dosage guidelines are:

• Starting dose: Typically, treatment begins at 40 mg once daily.
• Titration: After 2 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 80 mg once daily if uric acid levels are not sufficiently lowered.
• Maximum dose: If necessary, the dose can be increased to 120 mg once daily, as in ADENURIC 120mg tablets.
• Maintenance: The dose should maintain serum uric acid below 6 mg/dL to prevent gout attacks.
• Renal impairment: Febuxostat can be used without dose adjustment in mild to moderate kidney impairment, but monitoring is essential.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in liver disease; dosage adjustment may be required.
• Duration: Treatment is usually long-term to prevent recurrence of hyperuricemia and gout flares.

Possible side effects of ADENURIC 120mg

Like all medications, ADENURIC 120mg may cause side effects. Some are common and mild, while others may be serious and require immediate medical attention:

• Common side effects:
  • Headache
  • Nausea and stomach upset
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)
  • Rash or skin reactions
• Serious side effects:
  • Severe allergic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
  • Liver enzyme abnormalities—monitor liver function regularly
  • Cardiovascular events: Some studies suggest a slight increase in heart-related risks; discuss with your doctor if you have heart disease.
  • Kidney stones due to uric acid crystallization
• Gout flare-ups: Febuxostat may initially cause more frequent gout attacks; prophylactic treatment with NSAIDs or colchicine is often recommended during the first months.
• When to seek help: If you experience rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, jaundice, or chest pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

ADENURIC 120mg Contraindications ADENURIC 120mg

ADENURIC 120mg should not be used in certain situations due to safety concerns. Contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to febuxostat or any excipients in the tablet.
• Use with azathioprine or mercaptopurine: These combinations are contraindicated due to risk of severe toxicity.
• Severe liver impairment: Patients with significant hepatic dysfunction should avoid febuxostat due to risk of liver toxicity.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been established; avoid use unless clearly necessary.
• Active gout flare: ADENURIC should not be started during an acute gout attack; treatment should begin after flare resolution.

Storage of ADENURIC 120mg

Proper storage of ADENURIC 120mg tablets ensures their potency and safety. Follow these guidelines:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Humidity: Keep the tablets in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity, which can degrade the film coating.
• Light protection: Store in the original blister pack to protect from light exposure.
• Keep out of reach of children: To prevent accidental ingestion, always store the medication securely.
• Expiry date: Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly, following local regulations or pharmacy take-back programs.