What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Heart disease
-History of heart attack or stroke
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine
-An unusual or allergic reaction to febuxostat, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Azathioprine
-Mercaptopurine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Aminophylline
-Certain medications for cancer
-Pegloticase
-Rasburicase
-Theophylline
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You will need regular blood tests while you are taking this medication.
Your gout may flare up when you are first taking this medication. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you have a flare. Your care team may give you another medication to help treat the gout pain.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
If you have heart disease, the risk of death may be higher if you take this medicine. Only use this medicine if allopurinol is not right for you. If it must be used, your prescriber will monitor you closely.