Underscoring the Importance of Allopurinol in Treating Gout: Results of a Food and Drug Administration–Mandated Safety Trial

Authors of this paper review safety information from CARES trial showing increased risk of CV death with febuxostat relative to allopurinol, and considers the context of its use, noting that it underscores the critical role of allopurinol as a mainstay in the treatment of gout.

SPS commentary:

In 2019, the MHRA advised that treatment with febuxostat in patients with pre-existing major cardiovascular disease should be avoided unless no other therapy options are appropriate, and referred to clinical guidelines for gout which recommend treatment with febuxostat only when allopurinol is not tolerated or contraindicated.

Arthritis & Rheumatology