| Common Brands | Uloric |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor (Uric Acid Reducer) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Febuxostat is a medicine used to treat gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. It happens when there is too much uric acid in the blood. This uric acid forms crystals in the joints, which causes pain.
Febuxostat helps to lower uric acid levels in the body. It is usually taken by people who cannot use another medicine called allopurinol or if allopurinol doesn’t work well for them.
Febuxostat is sold under different brand names like Uloric. It is usually taken as a tablet, once a day.
Febuxostat is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
Even if you feel fine, do not stop taking Febuxostat without talking to your doctor. Gout can come back if you stop the medicine suddenly.
Sometimes, gout attacks can happen more often when you first start using Febuxostat. This is normal, and your doctor may give you another medicine (like colchicine) to help prevent these attacks.
Febuxostat works by blocking an enzyme in the body called xanthine oxidase. This enzyme helps make uric acid. When Febuxostat blocks this enzyme, the body makes less uric acid.
Lower uric acid means fewer uric acid crystals, which means less pain and swelling from gout attacks. It does not treat the pain of a gout attack directly, but it helps prevent future attacks.
Febuxostat is used for long-term control of gout, not for short-term relief.
Like all medicines, Febuxostat can cause side effects. Some are common, and some are rare but serious.
Common side effects include:
Serious side effects include:
Call your doctor right away if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or have trouble breathing.
Regular blood tests may be needed to check liver function and uric acid levels.
Before taking Febuxostat, tell your doctor if you:
Febuxostat may increase the risk of serious heart problems, including heart attack or stroke, especially in people with heart disease.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Febuxostat or any of its ingredients.
During the first few months of taking Febuxostat, you may get more gout attacks. This is normal and does not mean the medicine isn’t working.
The usual starting dose of Febuxostat is 40 mg once a day. If uric acid levels don’t go down enough, the doctor may increase the dose to 80 mg per day.
Febuxostat may interact with other medicines. It can affect how other drugs work, or they can affect how Febuxostat works. Some important interactions are:
Always tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take.
The usual dosage of Febuxostat is:
For people with mild kidney or liver problems, the dose is usually the same. But your doctor may monitor you more closely.
Always take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Missing doses may cause gout attacks to return.
Febuxostat is a prescription-only medicine. This means you cannot buy it over the counter; you need a doctor’s prescription to get it.
Doctors will usually prescribe Febuxostat if:
Your doctor will check your health history and may do blood tests before starting the medicine. Regular follow-ups are needed to make sure the medicine is working and not causing harm.
What is Febuxostat used for?
It is prescribed to lower uric acid levels in adults with gout, a condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
What is the brand name?
Uloric®.
How does Febuxostat work?
It blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which produces uric acid — helping to prevent gout attacks and long-term joint damage.
Is Febuxostat used to treat an active gout attack?
No — it is used for chronic prevention, not for treating acute gout flare-ups.
How is Febuxostat taken?
Orally, as a tablet, once daily, with or without food.
What are the available strengths?
40 mg and 80 mg tablets.
What are the common side effects?
Nausea, joint pain, mild rash, liver function changes, or dizziness.
Are there serious side effects?
Yes — serious but rare side effects include:
Heart-related problems (heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death)
Liver failure
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Allergic reactions
Why does Febuxostat have a boxed warning?
Because studies showed an increased risk of cardiovascular death compared to allopurinol in some patients.
Who should not take Febuxostat?
People with:
A history of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack
Severe liver disease
Hypersensitivity to febuxostat
Is Febuxostat safer than allopurinol?
It may be better for patients who cannot tolerate allopurinol or have allopurinol hypersensitivity, but it carries higher heart risk.
Can Febuxostat cause gout flares when starting?
Yes, uric acid changes can trigger temporary gout attacks early in therapy — doctors often prescribe colchicine or NSAIDs for prevention.
How long does Febuxostat take to work?
Uric acid levels typically start to decrease within 2–4 weeks, but gout flare prevention may take several months.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Febuxostat?
Alcohol (especially beer and spirits) can raise uric acid levels — it’s best to limit or avoid it.
Can Febuxostat be used in kidney disease?
Yes, it can be used in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment, unlike some other gout medicines.
Is Febuxostat safe during pregnancy?
Not enough data — it should be used only if clearly needed.
Can I take Febuxostat while breastfeeding?
Not recommended, as it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.
Does Febuxostat interact with other medications?
Yes — avoid combining with:
Azathioprine
Mercaptopurine
Theophylline (used for asthma/COPD)
Do I need regular blood tests while taking Febuxostat?
Yes — your doctor will monitor uric acid, liver function, and heart health regularly.
Is there a generic available?
Yes — Febuxostat is available as a generic in many regions.
Where can I get Febuxostat?
Available by prescription only at pharmacies.
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