Febuxostat vs. Allopurinol combined with a low-purine diet for gout

Along with pain relief, Febuxostat, combined with a low-purine diet (comprising chiefly of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) is a safe and effective option for managing gout, resulting in lower serum uric acid levels, and reduced inflammation.

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of Febuxostat (xanthine oxidase inhibitor) in comparison with Allopurinol, both paired with a diet having low purine levels for the treatment of gout.

In a prospective controlled trial, ninety-eight people diagnosed with gout were divided into two groups: The study group (taking Febuxostat and following a low-purine diet) and the control group (taking Allopurinol and following a low-purine diet), with each group comprising 49 participants. Evaluations included joint function, serum uric acid, inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18), and pain assessed via the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The clinical indicators were compared before and after 6 months of treatment.

The study group had a higher effective rate of 97.96% compared to 85.71% of the control group. Serum uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, inflammatory markers and triglycerides levels were lower in the study group with fewer adverse reactions. Febuxostat was also associated with better pain relief.

Febuxostat combined with a low-purine diet is more effective than Allopurinol in treating gout, leading to better control of serum uric acid, reduced inflammation and less pain.