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Febuxostat: uses, side effects & brands
Febuxostat lowers uric acid, an option when allopurinol is unsuitable. It belongs to the Gout medicine group. These lower uric acid to prevent gout, or calm an acute gout attack.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Gout medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Lowering uric acid long term in gout
- When allopurinol is not tolerated or not suitable
- Preventing high uric acid with some cancer treatments (in hospital)
Common brand names
- India: Febustat, Zurig, Feburic
- Worldwide: Uloric, Adenuric
Common side effects
- Gout flares in the first months of treatment
- Abnormal liver tests
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Rash
Before taking it — precautions
- Heart disease or past stroke — febuxostat has been linked to a higher risk of heart-related death; discuss with your doctor
- Must not be combined with azathioprine or mercaptopurine
- Tell your doctor about liver disease; liver tests are checked
When to see a doctor urgently
- Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or weakness or trouble speaking (urgent)
- Severe rash, blistering or swelling of the face (urgent)
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of febuxostat depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
How is febuxostat different from allopurinol?
Both lower uric acid. Febuxostat is usually kept for people who cannot use allopurinol, partly because of its heart-risk warning.
Why am I getting flares?
Early flares are common as uric acid falls. Do not stop — your doctor may add medicine to prevent them.
Should I take it for high uric acid without gout?
It is not recommended for raised uric acid alone without gout.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.