Gout

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Gout Treatment

The goal of treatment is to decrease the amount of uric acid in the joints, which helps to reduce symptoms and prevent further attacks. If left untreated, affected joints may be damaged, causing disability. Acute gout often is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (e.g., Anaprox®, Naprosyn®) and indomethacin (e.g., Indocin®), usually for 3–7 days. Due to potentially severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, NSAIDs should only be used as instructed.

If gout attacks occur frequently, long-term, daily gout medication may be prescribed. Colchicine (Colcrys™) and probenecid (Benemid®) may be used alone or in combination (e.g., Colbenemid®) when other medications do not relieve symptoms. These medications are most effective when taken within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms. Side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) also may be taken orally or injected into the affected joint. These medications usually resolve symptoms in about a week.

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