Can I take febuxostat during a gout attack?

It is not recommended to take febuxostat during a gout attack. The main reasons are as follows: 1. **Uric acid fluctuations**: Febuxostat is a medication that inhibits uric acid synthesis and effectively lowers uric acid levels. However, during an acute gout attack, taking febuxostat may cause significant fluctuations in uric acid levels. These fluctuations may not only hinder the relief of current gout symptoms but could also lead to further deposition of uric acid in the joints and surrounding tissues, potentially prolonging the gout attack or worsening symptoms. 2. **Timing of treatment**: The primary goal during an acute gout attack is to rapidly relieve pain and reduce inflammation, rather than lowering uric acid levels. Therefore, using febuxostat at this stage may not be the optimal treatment choice. 3. **Drug interactions**: During a gout flare, patients may need to take other medications to manage symptoms. At this time, febuxostat may interact with these medications, affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse reactions.