Treatment for Gout - Prescription Drugs

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="University Pharmacy in Sweden"][/caption]

Prescription Drug Information for You

There are many prescription drugs used in the treatment for gout.  Here is a chart with the most common ones:

Name	Used for	Side Effects	Serious Side Effects
febuxostat/Uloric	lower uric acid levels by reducing the amount of uric acid produced by the body	nausea	Increases liver enzymes. Report these symptoms of liver disease: persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
sulfinpyrazone /Anturane	helps kidneys get rid of uric acid; lowers uric acid levels	nausea, heartburn; dizziness; ringing in the ears	lower back pain; swelling of the arms/legs /feet; difficult or painful urination; change in amount/color of urine
probenecid/Benemid, Parbenem, Probalan	helps kidneys get rid of uric acid; lowers uric acid levels	dizziness
colchicine	prevent or treat gout attacks; decreases swelling and lessens build up of uric acid crystals
colchicine-probenecide combination	Probenecid prevents gout or gouty arthritis by speeding up removal or uric acid in kidneys; colchicine decreases swelling and lessens build up of uric acid crystals	nausea; cramping; diarrhea; loss of appetite; dizziness; hair loss; headache; vomiting; frequent urination
allopurinol/Lopurin, Zurinol, Zyloprim	treat gout and kidney stones; prevents increase in uric acid levels	drowsiness

Here are some other things to keep in mind when taking prescription drugs:

• Read the leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any questions, ask the pharmacist or your doctor;
• Take the medication at the same time each day;
• If your condition worsens or persists, contact your doct
• IMPORTANT: Be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction. These are: RASH, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness; trouble breathing;
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to the prescription drug or to any other drugs;
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist of any other prescriptions you are taking, any non-prescription medications, or any herbal, homeopathic, Ayurvedic, Chinese medicine medications or treatments you are taking.

This is just a partial list of things you should watch out for and/or discuss with your doctor or pharmacist. There are many good websites online that can give you more comprehensive information about any prescription drugs your doctor may prescribe for you, such as Web MD Remember, it's YOUR health. You are "hiring" your doctor and other healthcare professionals to help you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You have a right to know everything that has to do with your health.