Gout can be easily managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. From the patient’s perspective, Gout attacks cause excruciating pain, limit daily activities including walking, and tremendously affect people’s work and social life as well as mood. Recurrent attacks of Gout may cause permanent damage to the joints and tendons. In addition, high uric acid levels can lead to urinary stones and kidney problems, increase the risk of heart disease, and increased cardiovascular mortality.
Acute Gout attacks are treated with medications, such as:
- Colchicine
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – E.g. Naproxen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin
- Corticosteroids – Oral prednisolone or steroid injection into affected joints
It is important to note that not all the medications above are suitable for every patient. Factors such as drug allergies, kidney disease may mean that certain medications need to be avoided.
Reduction of uric acid is the mainstay of treatment of Gout and will reduce attacks. A good target uric acid level is less than 360µmol/L – or 300µmol/L in patients who have tophi. Medications such as allopurinol, febuxostat or probenecid can be used. The doctor will review your medical background to decide on the most suitable medication.