Gout medication continues to be the gout treatment method of choice for millions of people suffering from this painful condition even with all the natural remedies for gout being championed these days. Perhaps it is simply the convenience of simply taking a pill to help alleviate the symptoms of gout or the reluctance to go on a gout diet that makes the gout medication method for the treatment of gout so popular. This article will examine some of the benefits and dangers associated with popular gout medications.
"I was only 30 when I got a gout attack. Goutezol really helped me to get over the attack in just two days and the ebook helps me with watching what I'm eating. My uncle have had gout problems too, so I recommended your product. Thanks a lot!" Matt, California
Are Gout Medications Worth The Risk
While the gout medication route certainly works for the masses, there are some health concerns that do accompany the use of drugs to treat what causes gout and the aches and pains this condition brings with it.
The most commonly used gout medication for gout treatment are a group of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which help to reduce the build up of the uric acid crystals in the joints which is what causes gout pain and discomfort. The most popular prescription NSAIDs used as gout medication are Indomethacin, Napoxen and Ibuprofen. Aspirin is not a recommended gout medication since it may actually make things worse by adversely affecting the uric acid levels in the blood stream.
Colchicine is a gout medication used for both short and long-term gout treatment. This medicine helps to reduce gout attacks by helping to stop the inflammation caused by the uric acid crystals in joints, however it doesn't actually lower the uric acid level in the blood.
Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are another type of gout medication that is often prescribed for the treatment of gout especially for people who are not having any success using the NSAIDs or Colchicine. These are actually powerful anti-inflammatory hormones that may be orally taken or injected into the joint to help reduce gout pain.
Uricosuric Agents refer to a type of gout medication used for long-term gout treatment that are designed to assist the kidneys in removing more uric acid from the blood stream thereby reducing the symptoms of gout for occurring.
Alluprinol is another gout medication utilized for the treatment of gout over the long-term. Alluprinol helps to reduce the creation of uric acid by the body by blocking the release of xanthine oxidase, used by the body to create the uric acid.
"week ago i couldnt walk and was in terible pain. i though my big toe was broken i would need a surgery, but doctor said it was gout. After taking some pain killer and goutezol for 2 days i can walk again. thank you" Peter from Chicago
Are Gout Medications Worth The Risk
Popular Gout Medication- Dangers
Generally there are two sides to every story, and with gout medication this is certainly no different. For all the benefits listed above for the popular gout medication discussed, each one does have some potentially harmful side effects that you must be aware of.
NSAIDs- should never be taken without having a prescription as these drugs can lead to further complications with pre-existing conditions such as ulcers, high blood pressure, anemia along with heart, liver or kidney disease.
Colchicine- this gout medication does have potentially dangerous side effects on the kidney, liver or bone marrow along with more minor ones such as nausea and diarrhea in some people.
Corticosteroids- can be a very effective short-term solution but are not suggested for use long-term due to a host of harmful side effects including weight gain, high blood pressure, infection risks, fluid retention, glaucoma and cataracts, osteoporosis, acne and even mood swings.
Uricosuric Agents- have side effects ranging from rashes and headaches to problems involving the kidneys and stomach.
Alluprinol- as a long-term gout medication may adversely effect the user with inflammation of the liver, rashes on the skin and bone marrow problems.
Hopefully the pros and cons associated with gout treatment using some of the popular gout medication discussed above has made it very clear that you must speak with a medical doctor before embarking on any treatment to ensure your personal health and safety.
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Our Readers' Questions
Does anyone know of a good cure for gout?
Ach B asked on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
My dad has gout, and suffers quite a bit in his toes and his hands. He has had kidney failure in the past and is on meds for heart probs... he was hoping for a more natural remedy and any suggestions would be helpful.
hellosa2000 replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
Strawberrys are supposed to have a acid in that help releave gout and stay away from rich foods.
Rhianna replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
There is no cure for gout. Generally speaking a short course of an anti-inflammatory painkillers will usually ease the pain quite quickly. Is your dad overweight?
Losing weight helps as does eating a healthy diet and cutting back on alcohol. He should also try and reduce sugar in is diet too. Your husband must also avoid dehydration and unless there is a medical reason not to do so, drink about 2 litres of water daily.
The other things that help are if he can, elevate his legs while laying on the sofa and then using an ice pack, hold it against the inflamed joint. This may ease the pain. Make sure you wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct skin contact. Only do this for about 20 minutes, then stop. This should not be done for long periods of time at once. Also make sure the temperature of the affected part has returned to normal before applying again.
As I said before, NSAIDs like Diclofenac usually help (if no GI issue). If your dad can't tolerate any NSAIDs for certain reasons, then Colchicine is an alternative medicine that might help. Steroid tablets or injections can also reduce pain and inflammation, but should generally be avoided if possible.
If he is in a lot of discomfort, he should see his GP again. If gout keeps reoccurring then taking Allopurinol daily will prevent attacks. Allopurinol will not have any effect during a gout attack though. Allopurinol basically works by It works by reducing level of uric acid in the blood. It takes a few months to work. It's more of a preventative measure.
Dr Frank replied on Thu, 27 Nov, 2008
It really is beyond my understanding that a 100% medically correct answer like the one Rhianna has taken so much time and trouble to produce gets 4 thumbs down! I gave it a resounding thumbs up! Her answer is flawless.
Diclofenac or similar NSAID for the acute treatment can relive most of the pain and swelling in as little as a few hours, the only problem is GI intolerance. This can be minimised by co-administration of a PPI such as omeprazole. Colchicine is an alternative option but has dropped into disuse and I have only tried it once in recent years.
In patients with a severe recurrent problem allopurinol maintenance lowers the serum uric acid and reduces the risk or attacks.
hellosa2000+ Carolyn C+Atalanta+ SUE G+ Sally P
I am afraid there is a vast array of high and medium purine containing foods and it is pretty much impossible to avoid them all.
kiwihelen70 On the same basis dietetic referral is not usually indicated in gout.
sorren149 The herbal remedy is quite worthless.
Ron It is ESSENTIAL not to use allopurinol for flare ups as used accutely it makes the gout worse and can even precipitate an attack. When it is introduced it must be with up to 30 days NSAID cover to prevent this!
Papaver replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
Take a look here-it is a very informative site
http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_gout.htm
ron replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
Several people have got it right there is no known CURE for gout, the most commonly used drug for controlling the symptoms and 'flare ups' is Allopurinol, I used to be a medical rep and it was one of the product I sold.
http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/ViewPil.aspx?DocID=18217
Sally P replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
Gout is caused by a build up of the breakdown product of protein, so if he eats less protein it might help? I'm guessing he is on medication for the gout already?
So basically avoid meat, nuts and other protein rich foods, and eat more vegetarian style stuff.
sorren149 replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
Gouticil is a new herbal remedy out or Gout-well is another both can be sourced online
. Cherry juice ,vitamin C oranges, grape fruit, pineapple, raspberry and pear Apples, onions, pears, mustard seeds and juniper berries . Vegetables like the various gourds, cabbage, tomatoes and greens are the best. Dandelion and Burdock is a great drink as Well
SUE G online replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
there is no cure for gout, but there foods and drinks to avoid, like tomatoes, offal, bacon, pork, avoid brandy, red wine and port, my husband takes tablets every day but he still gets the odd flare up
Carolyn C replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
I don't know if you can "cure" gout, but you can help alleviate some of the symptoms and avoid certain foods that tend to bring it on. Check out the site I've listed below. Also, there is some connection between cherries helping gout as well. Good luck!!
Atalanta replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
There isn't a cure for gout. Depending how bad it is, there are different treatments. One thing to do is to keep away from red meat and red wine and especially port. There is a proper medical treatment, which as far as I know involves lifelong tablet treatment.
kiwihelen70 replied on Tue, 25 Nov, 2008
He needs to make sure he drinks plenty of fluids. There are some foods which can make gout worse if you eat a lot of them - here is a list
http://arthritis.about.com/cs/goutdiet/a/goutpurines.htm
But also he needs to make sure he follows any advice given about his diet for kidneys and heart as well. If he needs advice he should be referred to a dietitian
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Read more about Gout,Gout Treatment,Treatment Gout,Symptoms Gout,Natural Remedies Gout,Colchicine Gout,Causes Gout,Gout Pain,Remedies Gout,Gout Attacks,Gout Diet...
We have no doubt about that the significant reasons of gout strikes would be the subsequent below:
Insulin Resistance
Food which is full of purine for example alcohol.
Unhealthy weight or obese.
Health conditions including kidney failure or kidney malfunction.
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In the human body, uric acid is created from the metabolic collapse of purines. This is commonly founded in many different foods. Normally uric acid is gets liquefied in the body fluid and eradicate through the urine. But in other case when the level of uric acid in the body increased and their crystals get entered in the joints then it results gout. Gout can be the biggest reason of...
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