Can febuxostat dissolve gout stones?
Disease description:
I previously didn't know what illness I had and always thought it was just joint pain. After visiting the hospital for examination, I learned it was gout. The doctor prescribed febuxostat for me to take. May I ask whether febuxostat can dissolve tophi (gout stones)?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Febuxostat cannot directly dissolve tophi, but it does play a certain positive role in the treatment of tophi.
1. Mechanism of action: Febuxostat mainly reduces serum uric acid concentration by inhibiting uric acid synthesis. It does not act directly on tophi, but by lowering blood uric acid levels, it can gradually dissolve and dilute uric acid crystals into the bloodstream, thereby slowing the formation and growth of tophi.
2. Dissolution process: The effect of febuxostat on dissolving tophi is a slow process that requires continuous medication by the patient and good medication adherence. Even when uric acid levels reach the target range, it is recommended to continue treatment at the lowest effective dose for a period of time to ensure that serum uric acid levels remain consistently within the target range.
3. Precautions: For larger tophi or those already affecting joint function, surgical treatment is usually required. In addition, febuxostat may cause some adverse reactions such as abdominal distension and abdominal pain. It should be used according to medical advice, and attention should be paid to monitoring physical condition.
