Q: I am a 45 years old male who is suffering from high uric acid. Is Febutaz 40 a safer medicine than Zyloric for high uric acid? What are the side effects of Febutaz?

A:Febutaz is the brand name; the name of the medicine is febuxostat. Its mode of action is different from Zyloric (allopurinol). Moreover, it is to be taken only when urate deposits have taken place. It is not meant for acute gout. Also it must not be taken by patients of ischaemic heart disease (angina), congestive heart failure and by women during pregnancy or lactation. The drug should be avoided by patients suffering from thyroid dysfunction. Before starting the drug, liver function tests should be performed and then periodically. Common side effects include liver impairment, headache and rash. Being a new drug experience with this medicine is limited. Moreover, it is not approved for sale in the United States.

Few patients have reported different uncommon side effects including anaemia, bleeding, low white cell count, spleen enlargement, angina, heart movement abnormalities, ECG abnormal, deafness, tinnitus, vertigo, vision blurred, dry mouth, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gum pain, haematemesis (blood in vomit), acidity, mouth ulceration, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, chest pain / discomfort, edema, fatigue, gait disturbance, influenza-like symptoms, gall bladder disease, hepatitis, liver enlargement, contusion, diabetes, increase in blood cholesterol, arthritis, joint stiffness, joint swelling, muscle spasms / twitching / tightness / weakness, musculoskeletal pain / stiffness, muscle pain, balance disorder, cerebrovascular accident, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, hemiparesis, lethargy, mental impairment, migraine, transient ischemic attack, tremor, agitation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, libido decreased, nervousness, panic attack, kidney stones, kidney failure, incontinence, erectile dysfunction (impotence), gynaecomastia (enlargement of male breasts), bronchitis, cough, breathlessness, nose bleed, sneezing, throat irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, alopecia, eczema, hyperhidrosis, peeling skin, urticaria, flushing, hot flushes, etc. However, all side effects are not seen in all patients.