What it is used for

Preventing gout attacks in people with long-term high uric acid
Preventing high uric acid during some cancer treatments

Read our guides:

Gout

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Febuxostat is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Febuxostat blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which makes uric acid. Lower levels stop new crystals forming and allow existing ones to dissolve.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Febuxostat can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

more gout flares when you first start
diarrhoea
headache
feeling sick
rash
abnormal liver tests

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

chest pain or signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 999
a skin rash with blisters, peeling or a high temperature
yellowing of the skin or eyes

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It is not usually recommended for people with serious heart disease.
It must not be taken with azathioprine or mercaptopurine.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.