Febuxostat is used to lower uric acid levels in people with gout. The drug works to reduce the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Because of the risk of very serious heart problems and stroke with febuxostat, febuxostat should only be used after treatment with allopurinol, which has not worked to lower your uric acid. Febuxostat should only be used if you have symptoms that indicate high levels of uric acid in your blood.