US FDA adds new boxed warning for febuxistat

The US FDA has taken thee step of commenting regarding an increased risk of death during treatment with febuxostat, compared to the widely prescribed and well-established alternative agent, allopurinol. Patients are advised to inform health care professionals about a history of heart disease or stroke, and to seek emergency medical attention if you experiencing following symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, numbness or weakness on one side of your body, difficulty in talking or sudden severe headache. Doctors should reserve febuxostat only for patients who have failed or do not tolerate allopurinol. The link to the FDA statement can be read here