Febuxostat for the treatment of gout

Abstract

Introduction: Gout is a rheumatologic condition associated with elevated serum uric acid levels and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, has historically been the principle agent utilized for reducing elevated uric acid levels and treating underlying cause of gout symptoms; the availability of febuxostat, a newer non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor, represents an alternative therapy for those patients with contraindications or intolerance to allopurinol.

Areas covered: This article reviews the published literature on the pharmacologic characteristics and clinical safety and efficacy data on the use of febuxostat in the treatment of gout. A literature search of MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations Databases (1996–November 2014) was conducted utilizing the key words ‘febuxostat’, ‘allopurinol’, and ‘gout’. All published articles regarding febuxostat were evaluated. References of selected articles, data from poster presentations, and abstract publications were additionally reviewed.

Expert opinion: Febuxostat has shown benefit with respect to symptomatic relief and uric acid level reduction. The safety profile of this agent makes it an ideal alternative in those patients with contraindications to or who are intolerant of allopurinol.

Keywords:

• allopurinol
• febuxostat
• gout
• hyperuricemia
• xanthine oxidase

Acknowledgements

The authors report no funding was received for the preparation of this paper. The authors report no relevant conflicts of interest. The authors have no additional acknowledgements.

Declaration of interest

MB Bridgeman has acted as consultant for Merck. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.