skip to main content

Fenofibrate Uricosuric Effect — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCrystal ArthropathyFenofibrate Uricosuric EffectSCE Rheumatology

A 50-year-old man with recurrent gout is receiving allopurinol as urate-lowering therapy. He also has metabolic syndrome and hypertriglyceridaemia, for which fenofibrate is being considered. Which additional pharmacological effect of fenofibrate is relevant to his gout?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — It increases renal urate excretion and lowers serum urate

Fenofibrate has a uricosuric effect, increasing renal urate clearance and lowering serum urate by approximately 20–25%. It may therefore provide a useful additional benefit when prescribed for an appropriate lipid indication in a patient with coexisting hypertriglyceridaemia and gout. It does not inhibit xanthine oxidase, distinguishing it from allopurinol and febuxostat. Its gout benefit is not primarily due to direct suppression of crystal-induced inflammation. Although fewer gout events have been observed during fenofibrate treatment, it remains an adjunct and does not replace standard treat-to-target urate-lowering therapy.

Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium. Fenofibrate 200 mg Capsules, Summary of Product Characteristics, section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. Text revised 2023. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4436/smpc