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Febuxostat

Brand and Other Names: ULORIC
Mechanism of Action:

ULORIC, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, achieves its therapeutic effect by decreasing serum uric acid. ULORIC is not expected to inhibit other enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine synthesis and metabolism at therapeutic concentrations.

Indications:

ULORIC is a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor indicated for the chronic management of hyperuricemia in adult patients with gout who have an inadequate response to a maximally titrated dose of allopurinol, who are intolerant to allopurinol, or for whom treatment with allopurinol is not advisable. 
Limitations of Use:
ULORIC is not recommended for the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Route: Oral
Dose:
  • Recommended dosage is 40 mg or 80 mg once daily. The recommended starting dosage is 40 mg once daily. For patients who do not achieve a serum uric acid (sUA) less than 6 mg/dL after 2 weeks, the recommended dosage is 80 mg once daily.
  • Patients with severe renal impairment: Limit the dosage to 40 mg once daily.
  • Flare prophylaxis is recommended upon initiation of ULORIC. 
  • Can be administered without regard to food or antacid use.
Adverse Reactions:

Adverse reactions in ≥ 1% of patients treated with ULORIC are liver function abnormalities, nausea, arthralgia, and rash.

Contraindication:

ULORIC is contraindicated in patients being treated with azathioprine or mercaptopurine. 

Warnings and Precautions:

Gout Flares: An increase in gout flares is frequently observed after initiation of ULORIC. If a gout flare occurs during treatment, ULORIC need not be discontinued. Prophylactic therapy (i.e., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or colchicine) upon initiation of treatment may be beneficial for up to six months.

Hepatic Effects: Cases of hepatic failure, some fatal, have been reported. If liver injury is detected, promptly interrupt ULORIC and treat cause, if possible, to resolution or stabilization. Permanently discontinue ULORIC if liver injury is confirmed, and no alternate etiology can be found.

Serious Skin Reactions: Serious skin and hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported in patients taking ULORIC. Discontinue ULORIC if serious skin reactions are suspected.

See package insert for full prescribing information.