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Febuxostat Treatment Updates and Availability Issues
The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has issued guidance regarding the use of febuxostat,a medication used to treat hyperuricemia,especially in cases of gout. While allopurinol remains the first-line treatment, febuxostat (80mg) is an alternative for patients intolerant to allopurinol, those who don’t respond to it, or those with impaired kidney function.This guidance comes amidst supply issues with febuxostat 80mg.
What to Do If Febuxostat is Unavailable
If a patient has a prescription for febuxostat 80mg but it is unavailable, pharmacists are advised to counsel the patient to contact their doctor. The doctor can then either issue a new prescription for allopurinol or adjust the current treatment plan.Patients should be reassured that temporarily stopping febuxostat is unlikely to cause significant health risks. The ANSM notes that even after several months off the medication, a gout flare-up is rare, though medical attention is available if one occurs.