Febuxostat

Febuxostat is used to lower uric acid in the blood, to prevent attacks of gout. Febuxostat is not used to treat inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis (OA).

Febuxostat is taken orally in pill form.

Febuxostat is available in 80mg tablets.

The usual dose is between 40 – 80mg taken once daily

Febuxostat works by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. This enzyme plays a role in the chemical reaction that produces uric acid in the body. Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the body that forms crystals in the joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. The body’s immune system attacks these uric acid crystals causing pain and inflammation during a gout flare. Febuxostat can help to reduce uric acid build up and reduce the severity of gout attacks.

Be patient, you will not feel the effects of febuxostat right away. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects.  The chance of gout attacks may be higher for a few months after you start taking this medication.  It is important to keep taking the medication unless told otherwise by a healthcare professional.

To provide symptom relief while you are waiting for febuxostat to work and to protect against gout flares, your prescriber may recommend you take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine.

Febuxostat should not be started new during an acute gout attack as it may make the attack worse.  

Febuxostat has not been well studied in pregnant people or lactating parents. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  

Febuxostat interacts with a number of other medications and is known to cause an increased level of azathioprine and mercaptopurine if used together and the combination should be avoided. Please speak with your healthcare provider about whether any of the other medications you currently take interact with febuxostat.

Anyone who is hypersensitive to febuxostat or has had a previous allergic reaction to allopurinol should avoid the medication.

Febuxostat is generally well tolerated. More common side effects of febuxostat include stomach upset and joint pain/aching.

Rarely febuxostat can cause a rash. If you develop a rash while taking febuxostat stop the medication and contact your healthcare provider.

A rare, but serious side effect of febuxostat is that the medication may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.  Please discuss this with your prescriber prior to starting febuxostat.

Take your febuxostat as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns while taking the medication.

Drinking alcohol can contribute to gout flares. It is best to avoid alcohol if you have gout.

When you begin taking febuxostat your prescriber may request blood work every 2 – 4 months for a period of time. This will help make sure that the medication is not affecting your liver. If you have no issues with the medication during this time, blood tests will be required less frequently.

Store this medication at room temperature (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) and keep it out of reach of children.