Authors' objectives: The aim of this report is to assess the available information on the use of febuxostat for prevention of gout attacks.

Authors' recommendations: Febuxostat is a selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. Its use in the management of hyperuricemia and gout is being studied. In a 52-week, phase III randomized clinical trial, febuxostat was superior to allopurinol for lowering uric acid levels. Its efficacy in preventing gout attacks was similar to that of allopurinol. Despite a similar rate of adverse effects, individuals on febuxostat were more likely to stop treatment than those on allopurinol. The most commonly observed adverse effects with febuxostat include liver function test abnormalities, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Given that renal dysfunction is a risk factor for hyperuricemia and gout, the safety and efficacy of febuxostat in this population should be considered, but only limited data are available. The diffusion of febuxostat may be limited by its price relative to that of allopurinol, regardless of whether febuxostat proves to have advantages in specific populations.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/438_Febuxostat_cetap_e.pdf

Year Published: 2006

URL for published report: https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/438_Febuxostat_cetap_e.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)