Gout Treatment
Medications
Gout medications are available in the market under two categories and focus on two varied problems. The first type of gout medications aid in reducing the pain and swelling resulting due to gout attacks. The second category of medications prevent any gout complications by reducing the amount of uric acid in a person’s blood. The doctors choose the type of medication by looking at the severity and frequency of a patient’s symptoms along with other health issues that a patient might have. [6]
If you are experiencing various gout attacks every year, or if the gout attacks are becoming less frequent but more painful, then your doctor might suggest medications to lower the risk of gout complications. If you already have an evidence of damage in your joints from gout, you have tophi, kidney stones, or chronic kidney disease, then medications which lower the level of uric acid in blood are the best option.
Medications blocking the uric acid production
Medications such as febuxostat and allopurinol help in limiting the amount of uric acid that the body makes. Some side effects of allopurinol include hepatitis, kidney problems, rash, and fever. Febuxostat causes side effects like nausea, minimal liver function, and rash. Consistent intake of febuxostat can also increase the chances of developing heart health problems.