Efficacy and Safety of Fenofibrate in Patients with Hyperuricemia

Background: Allopurinol is the most frequently used antihyperuricemic drug. Fenofibrate, a derivative of fibric acid, is commonly used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Fenofibrate treatment has been shown to decrease serum uric acid levels. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate in patients with hyperuricemia. Material and Method: Sixty hyperuricemic patients with serum uric acid level 7.0mg per deciliter or above were enrolled and assigned to take either allopurinol 300mg or fenofibrate 200mg daily for 12 weeks. Drug efficacy was assessed by measuring percentage of subjects achieving serum uric acid level less than 6mg per deciliter at day 90. Drug efficacy was also assessed by measuring percent change in serum uric acid level from day 0 to day 90. Safety of the drug was assessed by reviewing adverse effects (AEs) and laboratory values. Results: Comparison of percentage of subjects reaching serum uric acid level less than 6.0mg per deciliter at day 90 between the two groups was significant (P=0.14). However, percent change in serum uric acid level from day 0 to day 90 was highly significant between the two groups (P=0.001). Proportions of subjects experiencing any adverse event were higher in fenofibrate group, though the adverse effects leading to treatment withdrawal were higher in allopurinol group. Conclusion: Fenofibrate 200mg once daily is an effective antihyperuricemic agent.