painstat (FEBUXOSTAT)

What is Painstat?

Painstat is a medicine for gout, a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. It works by lowering uric acid levels. The medicine is processed by the liver and kidneys and leaves the body fairly quickly. Some people get side effects like joint pain, nausea, or a rash. Importantly, it's linked to a slightly higher risk of heart problems, so doctors usually only prescribe it if another similar medicine, allopurinol, doesn't work or can't be used.

What is the usual dose of Painstat?

The recommended dose for Painstat is 40 mg once daily, which may be increased to 80 mg daily if the target uric acid level is not achieved after two weeks.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pediatric use.

​However, people with severely weakened kidneys might need a lower dose (40mg once a day). There's no information given about the correct dose for children.

 

How do I take Painstat?

You can take Painstat with or without food. It doesn't matter what you eat with it. Just follow your doctor's instructions on how many pills to take and when.

For how long do I take Painstat?

If you've had gout, your doctor might suggest taking Painstat for six months to prevent it from coming back. It's like a preventative measure to keep gout attacks away.

 

What is Painstat used for?

Painstat is a medicine that lowers uric acid in adults with gout. Doctors prescribe it when another medicine, allopurinol, doesn't work or can't be used. It's only for people who have high uric acid causing gout symptoms. It hasn't been tested on children, so it's not safe to use in them.

How long does it take for Painstat to start working?

Painstat starts lowering uric acid levels within two weeks, with improvements in gout symptoms seen as treatment progresses.

Is Painstat effective?

Clinical studies have shown Painstat to be effective in reducing serum uric acid levels to below 6 mg/dL in most patients, especially at 80 mg daily​.

How does one know if Painstat is working?

Painstat helps with gout, but its effects aren't directly measured. Doctors watch for side effects and how well it reduces gout attacks. They'll likely do blood tests to check your liver. Even though you might have a gout attack while taking it, don't stop. Your doctor will probably give you medicine to prevent attacks for six months.

How does Painstat work?

Painstat is a medicine that lowers uric acid in the blood. Your body breaks it down using different processes, some involving the liver. Most of the medicine and its breakdown products leave the body through the liver and kidneys. Importantly, at the dose used to treat high uric acid, it doesn't interfere with other processes involved in making or using uric acid.

Who should avoid taking Painstat?

Patients on azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
Painstat is a medicine for gout, but it has serious risks. It shouldn't be taken with certain other medications (azathioprine or mercaptopurine). Some people taking it have experienced heart problems, even sudden death, more often than those taking a similar medicine called allopurinol. 

Those with severe hepatic impairment or a history of serious hypersensitivity to Painstat

​There's also a risk of liver problems and severe skin reactions, even death in some cases. When you first start taking it, you'll likely have gout attacks, so your doctor will give you medicine to prevent that for about six months.

 

Can I take Painstat with vitamins or supplements?

Painstat may interact with supplements that increase uric acid levels (e.g., high-dose niacin). Consult your doctor before combining them.

Can I take Painstat with other prescription drugs?

Painstat is a medicine that works by affecting a body process involving xanthine oxidase (XO). Some other medicines also use this process, and taking them with Painstat can cause problems. Specifically, it's very dangerous to take Painstat with azathioprine or mercaptopurine because it can make those medicines much more powerful, leading to harmful side effects. Taking Painstat with theophylline might change how the body processes theophylline, but the long-term effects aren't fully known. However, Painstat seems safe to take with colchicine or naproxen.

Can Painstat be taken safely while pregnant?

There's not enough information on how Painstat affects pregnancies in humans. Limited data suggests no significant risk, but use only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor.
 

Can Painstat be taken safely while breastfeeding?

It's not known for sure if the medicine Painstat gets into breast milk. Doctors and mothers need to discuss whether it's safe to take while breastfeeding. 

Is Painstat safe for the elderly?

This medicine works the same in older adults (65 and up) as it does in younger people. The amount of medicine in their bodies is similar. However, some older people might be more sensitive to it, even though most aren't.

How should I store Painstat?

Keep the Painstat pills in a cool, dark place. The best temperature is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Don't let sunlight shine on them.

Does Painstat make people tired or drowsy?

Drowsiness is not common. If experienced, avoid activities like driving and inform your doctor.

Does Painstat cause stomach upset?

Nausea may occur in 1% of users. Taking Painstat with food may help minimize this side effect.

Does Painstat affect sleep?

No significant effects on sleep have been reported. If changes occur, consult your doctor.

Does Painstat make it hard to think or concentrate?

Dizziness is infrequent. If you feel impaired, avoid activities requiring mental alertness and discuss with your doctor.

Does Painstat affect mood?

Anxiety and depression have been rarely reported. Notify your doctor if mood changes occur.

Does Painstat interfere with sexual function?

Sexual side effects are rare, including decreased libido. Inform your healthcare provider if this impacts you.

Does Painstat affect appetite?

Changes in appetite or weight are uncommon but have been reported in some cases. Monitor for significant changes.

Does Painstat cause weight gain?

Changes in Weight are uncommon but have been reported in some cases. Monitor for significant changes.

Does Painstat cause headaches?

Painstat usually doesn't cause headaches. But, it's important to know it can sometimes cause serious problems like heart trouble or bad skin reactions. If you get chest pain, trouble breathing, a rash, or any severe skin problem, go to the doctor or emergency room right away.

Does Painstat limit driving?

Painstat does not typically impair driving. If dizziness occurs, avoid driving until symptoms resolve.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Painstat?

Moderate alcohol intake may increase uric acid levels, counteracting Painstat’s effects. Minimize alcohol consumption.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Painstat?

Caffeinated beverages do not significantly interact with Painstat, but excessive intake may increase uric acid.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Painstat?

Exercise is generally safe. Ensure hydration to prevent gout attacks during strenuous activities.

What are Painstat possible harms and risks?

Painstat can cause some common problems like liver enzyme changes showing up in blood tests, joint pain, upset stomach, and skin rash. Rare but serious side effects include heart issues, sudden worsening of gout, and severe liver damage that could be life-threatening. Very serious skin reactions are also possible. If your liver is hurt because of this medicine (and there's no other reason), you must stop taking it forever.