From the Journals
Febuxostat prevents early gout flares
The study is the first randomized, controlled trial examining the effects of urate-lowering therapy in patients with early gout.
The urate-lowering therapy febuxostat may have a higher risk of heart-related death than does another urate-lowering drug, allopurinol, according to a Safety Alert from the Food and Drug Administration.
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The safety trial was commissioned after febuxostat was approved by the FDA in 2009. Clinical trials conducted pre-approval showed an increased risk of heart-related problems, compared with allopurinol, and the drug label already carries a warning about cardiovascular events.
“Once the final results from the manufacturer are received, the FDA will conduct a comprehensive review and will update the public with any new information,” the agency said in the Safety Alert.
