Published: 5 September 2014

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Febuxostat - an additional xanthine oxidase inhibitor

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Prescriber Update 35(3): 39
September 2014

Febuxostat is approved in New Zealand for the treatment of chronic hyperuricaemia in patients with gout (including a history, or presence of, tophus and/or gouty arthritis)¹. Febuxostat (Adenuric) has been funded by PHARMAC in New Zealand since 1 June 2014, subject to Special Authority criteria².

Febuxostat provides an alternative xanthine oxidase inhibitor option in patients who are treatment resistant or intolerant of allopurinol. Febuxostat can be used in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.

Treatment with febuxostat is not recommended in patients with ischaemic heart disease or congestive heart failure. Hypersensitivity reactions, including life-threatening Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, have been reported. Prescribers are advised to check the datasheet for full details of precautions.

All suspected adverse reactions associated with febuxostat should be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM).

References

1. Te Arai BioFarma Ltd. 2014. Adenuric Data Sheet. 29 April 2014. URL: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/ (accessed 24 July 2014).
2. PHARMAC. Decision to fund febuxostat (Adenuric) for treatment-resistant gout. 14 May 2014. URL: www.pharmac.health.nz/news/notification-2014-05-14-febuxostat/ (accessed 24 July 2014).