Febuxostat (Uloric)

Febuxostat is a medication that helps prevent attacks of gout.

Febuxostat reduces the body’s production of uric acid by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. Buildups of excess uric acid can lead to gout and kidney stones.

Febuxostat belongs to a class of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors.

Taking Febuxostat

Febuxostat is available in 40, 80, and 120 mg tablets. Only the 80 mg dose is available in Canada.

The usual dose for Febuxostat is one tablet (either a 40mg or 80mg dose) taken daily.

It takes time for Febuxostat to work, and it can sometimes cause gout to flare when a patient starts on it. It is important for patients to understand that this is common, and to continue taking the medication as prescribed by their doctor. Over time, Febuxostat will work to reduce the frequency of flares.

If gout flares while taking Febuxostat, patients should see their doctor so that it can be treated with a different medicine.

Important Tests and Risks

Science

Safety

Video

Watch Canadian rheumatologist Dr. Andy Thompson introduce Febuxostat in this short video:

Resources

Febuxostat Quick Reference Guide