

Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism of purines in humans and is formed by the following reaction: hypoxanthine → xanthine → uric acid. Xanthine oxidase is a catalyst for both steps of this reaction. Febuxostat is a derivative of 2-arylthiazole. Its therapeutic effect is associated with a decrease in serum uric acid concentration by selectively suppressing xanthine oxidase. Febuxostat is a potent and selective non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor (NP-SIXO), its inhibition constant (Ki) invitro is <1 nm="" febuxostat="" has="" been="" shown="" to="" significantly="" inhibit="" the="" activity="" of="" both="" oxidized="" and="" reduced="" forms="" xanthine="" oxidase="" at="" therapeutic="" concentrations="" affects="" other="" enzymes="" involved="" in="" metabolism="" purines="" or="" pyrimidines="" such="" as="" guanine="" deaminase="" hypoxanthine="" anguanine="" phosphorobosyl="" transferase="" orotidin="" monophosphate="" decarboxylase="" purine="" nucleoside="" phosphorylase="" clinical="" efficacy="" safety:="" br=""> Gout
The efficacy of febuxostat was confirmed in phase III of the three main studies (2 main studies of APEX and FACT and an additional study of CONFIRMS, described below), including 4101 patients with hyperuricemia and gout. In each of these basic studies of phase ІІІ, febuxostat more effectively reduced the plasma concentration of uric acid and maintained it at the proper level compared to allopurinol. In both studies, the primary endpoint of efficacy was the proportion of patients whose serum uric acid concentration did not exceed 6.0 mg / dL (357 mcmol / L) during the last 3 months. In an additional phase III CONFIRMS study, the results of which became available after the first registration of the drug, the primary end point of effectiveness was the proportion of patients whose plasma uric acid concentration did not exceed 6.0 mg / dl at the time of the last visit. These studies did not include patients undergoing organ transplantation.
APEX study. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of the efficacy of febuxostat with placebo control and allopurinol phase III (AllopurinolandPlacebo-ControlledEfficacyStudyofFebuxostat - APEX) lasted 28 weeks. A total of 1072 patients were randomized: placebo (n = 134), febuxostat in a dose of 80 mg 1 time per day (n = 267), febuxostat at a dose of 120 mg 1 time per day (n = 269), febrasostat at a dose of 240 mg 1 time per day (n = 134) and allopurinol (at a dose of 300 mg 1 time per day (n = 258) in patients with baseline serum creatinine concentration> 1.5 mg / dL or 100 mg 1 time per day (n = 10) in patients with serum creatinine concentration> 1.5 and ≤ 2.0 mg / dL). To assess the safety of febuxostat administered at a dose of 240 mg (2 times higher than the maximum recommended dose).
The APEX study showed a statistically significant advantage in both treatment regimens with a febuxostat in a dose of 80 mg 1 time per day and febuxostat in a dose of 120 mg 1 time per day compared with allopurinol in the usual dose of 300 mg (n = 258) / 100 mg (n = 10) in reducing plasma concentration of uric acid <6 mg="" dl="" 357="" mcmol="" l="" table="" 1="" br=""> FACT study. A febuxostat efficacy study with allopurinol control (TheFebuxostatAllopurinolControlledTrial, FACT) Phase III - a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of 52 weeks duration. A total of 760 patients were randomized into groups: febuxostat at a dose of 80 mg 1 time per day (n = 256), febuxostat at a dose of 120 mg 1 time per day (n = 251) and allopurinol 300 mg 1 time per day (n = 253).
The FACT study showed a statistically significant advantage of both regimens (febuxostat at a dose of 80 mg 1 time per day and febuxostat at a dose of 120 mg 1 time per day) compared with allopurinol at the usual dose of 300 mg for reducing and maintaining serum uric acid concentrations <6 mg="" dl="" 357="" mcmol="" l="" br=""> In tab. Figure 1 shows the results of the evaluation of the primary endpoint efficiency.
Table 1
The proportion of patients with a serum uric acid concentration of <6.0 mg="" dl="" 357="" mcmol="" l="" during="" the="" last="" three="" monthly="" visits="" p="">
Study |
Fabuxostat at a dose of 80 mg 1 time per day |
phebuxostat at a dose of 120 mg once a day |
Allopurinol 300/100 mg 1 time per day1 |
APEX (28 weeks) |
48% * (n = 262) |
65%*, # (n = 269) |
22% (n = 268) |
FACT (52 weeks) |
53% * (n = 255) |
62% * (n = 250) |
21% (n = 251) |
Combined Results |
51% * (n = 517) |
63%*, # (n = 519) |
22% (n = 519) |
Treatment of chronic hyperuricemia in patients with diseases accompanied by deposition of urate crystals, including in the presence of tophi and / or gouty arthritis at present or in history.
Azurix at a dose of 120 mg
Treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia in adult patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies with a moderate or high risk of ALS.
Azurix is indicated for adult patients.
Febuxostat is marketed under different brands and generic names, and comes in different dosage forms:
Brand name | Manufacturer | Country | Dosage form |
---|---|---|---|
Azurix | pills | ||
Adenurik | Menarini-von Hayden GmbH | Germany | pills |
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Gout. The recommended dose of Azurix is 80 mg orally once a day, regardless of the meal. If the concentration of uric acid in the blood serum exceeds 6 mg / dL (357 μmol / l) after 2–4 weeks of treatment, the dose of Azurix can be increased to 120 mg once daily.
The effect of the drug occurs quite quickly, which makes it possible to re-determine the concentration of uric acid after 2 weeks. The goal of treatment is to reduce the concentration of uric acid and maintain it at a level of <6 mg="" dl="" 357="" mcmol="" l="" br=""> The duration of prevention of gout attacks is at least 6 months.
SLO. The recommended dose of Azurix is 120 mg orally once a day, regardless of the meal. Azurix should be started 2 days before the start of cytotoxic therapy and continue for at least 7 days; however, therapy can be extended to 9 days in accordance with the duration of chemotherapy and clinical evaluation.
Renal failure. Patients with impaired renal function, mild or moderate dose adjustment is not required. In patients with severe impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <30 ml="" min="" the="" efficacy="" and="" safety="" of="" drug="" has="" not="" been="" adequately="" studied="" br=""> Liver dysfunction. A study of the efficacy and safety of febuxostat in patients with severely impaired liver function (class C on the Child-Pugh scale) was not conducted.
Gout: in mild abnormal liver function, the recommended dose is 80 mg. Experience with the use of the drug in violation of the liver function is moderately limited.
SLO. Only subjects with severe hepatic insufficiency were excluded from the Phase III baseline study (FLORENCE). For patients who were included in the study, dose adjustment due to the state of liver function is not required.
Elderly patients. For this category of patients, dose adjustment is not required.
Patients undergoing organ transplantation. Experience of using fabuxostat in this category of patients is not, therefore, the use of the drug is not shown.
Mode of application
For oral administration.
Azurix is administered orally, regardless of the meal.
The most frequent adverse reactions in clinical studies (4072 patients using a dose of 10 to 300 mg) and in the process of post-marketing observation in patients with gout were exacerbations (attacks) of gout, abnormal liver function, diarrhea, nausea, headache, rashes and swelling. These reactions were in most cases mild and moderate severity. During post-marketing surveillance, there were reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions to fabuxostat, some of which were accompanied by systemic reactions.
In tab. 2 indicates adverse reactions by frequency of occurrence and severity (in descending order) that occurred during clinical studies and in the post-marketing period, and are classified as follows: often (from ≥1 / 100 to <1/10), infrequently (from ≥1 / 1000 to <1/100) and rarely (from ≥1 / 10 000 to <1/1000).
table 2
Adverse reactions that occurred in the third phase of combined randomized extended long-term studies and in the period of post-marketing follow-up in patients with gout
Blood and lymphatic system |
Rarely: pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia |
The immune system |
Rarely: anaphylactic reactions *, hypersensitivity to the drug * |
From the endocrine system |
Infrequently: increased levels of thyroid-stimulating blood hormone |
On the part of the organ of vision |
Seldom: blurred vision |
On the part of nutrition and metabolism |
Often ***: exacerbation (attacks) of gout |
From the psyche |
Infrequently: decrease in a libido, sleeplessness |
From the nervous system and sensory organs |
Often: headache |
From the organ of hearing and the labyrinth |
Seldom: tinnitus |
Since the cardiovascular system |
Infrequently: atrial fibrillation, palpitations, abnormalities on ECG, AH, hot flashes with a sensation of heat |
On the part of the respiratory system |
Infrequently: shortness of breath, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, cough |
From the digestive system |
Often: diarrhea **, nausea |
Liver and biliary tract |
Often: abnormal liver function ** |
From the skin and its derivatives |
Often: rashes (including rashes with a lower incidence) |
From the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue |
Infrequently: joint pain, arthritis, muscle pain, musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, bursitis |
Kidney and urinary tract |
Infrequently: renal failure, urolithiasis, hematuria, pollakiuria, proteinuria |
Reproductive system and mammary glands |
Seldom: violation of an erection |
On the part of the body as a whole |
Often: swelling |
Additional research methods |
Infrequently: an increase in the level of amylase in the blood, a decrease in the number of platelets, a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood, an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood, a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, an increase in the TG level in the blood, an increase in the cholesterol level in the blood, a decrease in hematocrit, increased levels of LDH in the blood, increased levels of potassium in the blood. |
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any other auxiliary component of the drug.
Mercaptopurin / azathioprine. In accordance with the mechanism of action of fabuxostat, which consists in the ability to suppress xanthine oxidase, its simultaneous use with mercaptopurine / azathioprine is not recommended. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase can lead to an increase in the concentration of both drugs in the blood plasma, which can cause a toxic reaction. There were no studies on the interaction of febuxostat with drugs metabolized by xanthine oxidase.
There is no data on the safety of their simultaneous use in cytotoxic therapy.
In the course of the study, patients with SLOs with several chemotherapy regimens were administered Febuxostat at a dose of 120 mg, including monoclonal antibodies. However, during this study, the interactions “drug - drug” and “drug - disease” were not investigated. Therefore, the possibility of interaction with any cytotoxic drugs, with their combined prescription, cannot be ruled out.
Rosiglitazone / CYP 2C8 Substrates. Febuxostat is a weak inhibitor of CYP 2C8 invitro. In a study involving healthy volunteers, the simultaneous administration of 120 mg of Febuxostat 1 time per day and 4 mg of rosiglitazone in a single dose did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone and its metabolite N-desmethylrosiglitazone, which demonstrates that febuxostat does not inhibit the CYP 2C8 invivo enzyme. Thus, the simultaneous administration of febuxostat and rosiglitazone or other CYP 2C8 substrates does not require dose adjustment for these drugs.
Theophylline.A study was conducted of the interaction of febuxostat with the participation of healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect of inhibition of xanthine oxidase on the increase in theophylline level in the circulating blood, observed with other inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. The results showed that the simultaneous use of febuxostat at a dose of 80 mg and theophylline at a dose of 400 mg showed no pharmacokinetic interactions or an effect on the safety of theophylline. Fabuxostat at a dose of 80 mg can be used simultaneously with theophylline without special reservations. Data on the use of fabuxostat at a dose of 120 mg are not available.
Naproxen and other glucuronization inhibitors. Febuxostat metabolism depends on the activity of UDP-glucuronyltransferase. Drugs that suppress the process of glucuronization, such as NSAIDs and probenecid, can theoretically alter the excretion of fabuxostat. In healthy volunteers with the simultaneous use of febuxostat and naproxen 250 mg 2 times a day, the increased effect of febuxostat was observed (Cmax is 28%, AUC - 41%, T½ - 26%). In clinical studies, the use of naproxen and other NSAIDs / COX-2 inhibitors was not accompanied by a clinically significant increase in severity and an increase in the incidence of adverse reactions. Thus, febuxostat can be used simultaneously with naproxen without changing their dose.
Glucuronization inhibitors. Powerful inducers of UDP-glucuronyltransferase can enhance metabolism and reduce the effectiveness of febuxostat. In patients who use powerful inducers of glucuronization, it is recommended to monitor the level of uric acid in the blood plasma after 1–2 weeks of simultaneous therapy. When the inducer of glucuronization is canceled, an increase in the level of febuxostat in the blood plasma is possible.
Colchicine / Indomethacin / Hydrochlorothiazide / Warfarin. Febuxostat can be used simultaneously with colchicine or indomethacin without changing the dose of drugs. There is also no need to correct the dose of fabuxostat when used in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. The simultaneous use of fabuxostat with warfarin does not require changing the dose of the latter. The use of fabuxostat (80 or 120 mg 1 time per day) with warfarin does not affect the pharmacokinetics of the latter. Simultaneous use with febuxostat also did not affect the international normalized attitude and activity of factor VII.
Desipramine / CYP 2D6 substrates. According to the data obtained by invitro, febuxostat is a weak inhibitor of CYP 2D6. In studies involving healthy volunteers who received 120 mg of Febuksostat, a 22% increase in the desucramine AUC (CYP 2D6 substrate) was observed, indicating a weak inhibitory effect of febuxostat in vivo. Thus, with simultaneous use of fabuxostat and CYP 2D6 substrates, there is no need to change their doses.
Antacid agents. With simultaneous use with antacids containing magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, inhibition of febuxostat absorption is observed (approximately by 1 hour) and Cmax decrease by 32%, however, the AUC of febuxostat does not change significantly, therefore febuxostat can be combined with the use of antacids.
Cardiovascular diseases
Treatment of chronic hyperuricemia. Fabuxostat is not recommended for patients with coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
In the APEX and FACT studies, an increase in the number of cardiovascular disorders (Anti-PlateletTrialists' Collaboration - APTC) was reported in the total febuxostat group compared with the allopurinol group (determination of endpoints in the combined anti-platelet analysis group (APTC), including including deaths due to cardiovascular disease, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke without death, 1.3 compared with 0.3 cases per 100 patient-years), in contrast to the CONFIRMS study.The frequency of cardiovascular disorders (APTC) reported in the studies in combined phase III studies (APEX, FACT and CONFIRMS) was 0.7 compared to 0.6 cases per 100 patient-years for febuxostat and allopurinol, respectively. In the framework of long-term large-scale studies, the reported cardiovascular disorders rate was 1.2 and 0.6 cases per 100 patient-years for febuxostat and allopurinol, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant, and there was no causal relationship between these violations and the use of febuxostat. Risk factors in these patients were diseases resulting from atherosclerosis and / or myocardial infarction, or a history of congestive heart failure.
Prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia in patients at risk of developing SLO
Patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematological malignancies with a moderate or high risk of ALD and using febuxostat, if clinically indicated, are under the supervision of a cardiologist.
Allergy to drugs / hypersensitivity. As part of post-marketing surveillance, there have been rare reports of serious allergic / hypersensitivity reactions, including the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute anaphylactic reactions / shock. In most cases, they occurred within the first month of the use of fabuxostat. In a few patients, renal dysfunction and / or hypersensitivity to allopurinol in history was noted. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including reactions accompanied by eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome), in some cases have been associated with fever, hematological, renal or hepatic insufficiency. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of hypersensitivity / allergy, and they need to be monitored regarding the development of such reactions. If serious allergic / hypersensitivity reactions occur, use of febuxostat should be stopped immediately, since early discontinuation of use improves the prognosis. If the patient has an allergic reaction / hypersensitivity reaction, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and acute anaphylactic reactions / shock, then reappointment of febuxostat is contraindicated.
Exacerbation (attack) of gout. Febuxcostat treatment should begin only in the period after the exacerbation of the disease. Fabuxostat can trigger a gout attack at the beginning of treatment by changing the level of uric acid through the release of urates from the depot. At the beginning of treatment with febuxostat, it is recommended to prescribe NSAIDs or colchicine for a period of at least 6 months to prevent gout attacks. At development of an attack against the use of febuxostat treatment is continued. At the same time carry out the appropriate individual therapy of acute gout. With prolonged use of fabuxostat, the frequency and severity of gout attacks are reduced.
Xanthine deposits. In patients with accelerated urate formation (for example, against the background of malignant neoplasms and their treatment or with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome), a significant increase in the absolute concentration of xanthines in the urine, accompanied by their deposition in the urinary tract, is possible. This was not observed in the reference clinical study of febuxostat in SLO. Due to the limited experience of using fabuxostat in this condition, the drug is not indicated for patients.
Mercaptopurin / azathioprine. Fabuxostat is not recommended for use in patients receiving mercaptopurine / azathioprine.
If simultaneous use cannot be avoided, the condition of the patients should be carefully monitored.A dose reduction of mercaptopurine / azathioprine is recommended to avoid possible hematological effects.
Patients undergoing organ transplantation. Experience of using fabuxostat in this category of patients is not, therefore, the use of the drug is not shown.
Theophylline. A single simultaneous use of Febuksostat at a dose of 80 mg and theophylline at a dose of 400 mg did not demonstrate any pharmacokinetic interactions. Febuxostat in a dose of 80 mg can be used simultaneously with theophylline without the risk of increasing theophylline concentration in the blood plasma. Data on the use of fabuxostat at a dose of 120 mg are not available.
Liver disease. During the combined phase III clinical studies, in 5.0% of patients who used febuxostat, minor changes in hepatic parameters were noted, therefore, it is recommended to check functional hepatic indicators before prescribing febuxostat and during treatment if indicated.
Diseases of the thyroid gland. In 5.5% of patients who received a fabuxostat for a long time, an increase in TSH (> 5.5 mcIU / ml) was observed, therefore, the drug should be administered with caution to persons with impaired thyroid function.
Lactose. The drug contains lactose, so for patients with rare hereditary diseases associated with galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or impaired glucose / galactose absorption, the drug is contraindicated.
Use during pregnancy and lactation. Limited experience with the use of febuxostat during pregnancy indicates the absence of an adverse effect on the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus / newborn. In the course of animal studies, no direct or indirect adverse effects on the course of pregnancy, the development of the embryo / fetus and the course of childbirth were noted. The potential risk to humans is unknown. In connection with the foregoing, the use of fabuxostat is contraindicated during pregnancy.
It is not known whether Febuksostat penetrates human breast milk. Animal studies have shown that febuxostat penetrates into breast milk and has a negative effect on the development of newborns who are breastfed. In connection with the foregoing, the use of fabuxostat during breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Fertility Fertility studies in animals at a dose of 48 mg / kg / day did not reveal a dose-related dependence of the adverse reactions. The effect of febuxostat on the human reproductive function is unknown.
Children. The use of fabuxostat in children (under the age of 18 years) is not shown due to the lack of experience with its use in pediatrics.
The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving or working with other mechanisms. There were reports of the development of drowsiness, dizziness, paresthesia and impaired visual clarity with the use of febuxostat, so patients using febuxostat are advised to use caution when driving and working with other mechanisms until they are sure that these phenomena are absent.
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive therapy is indicated.