End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning The End of Gout Program is an intensive lifestyle guide and diet therapy to treat gout. It aids in minimizing and treating the uncomfortable and painful signs of gout naturally and safely. It will teach the impacted everything regarding the condition. This natural program eliminates triggers and factors that give rise to symptoms. The recommendations are honest, effective, safe, and science-based. The program treats you inside out with gout by attacking the cause. By just signing in, you get to access all the valuable information and make your life gout-free. The program has a 60-day money-back too for risk-free use. Several users have expressed their 100 percent satisfaction and results. Give it a try, and you are sure to be surprised by the fantastic results.
Are there any new medications available for gout?
Yes, there are a few new gout drugs that have come into the market in the past few years that offer alternative treatment to patients who may not be tolerant or responsive to the traditional drugs like allopurinol or febuxostat. Some of the newer and significant drugs are listed below:
1. Pegloticase (Krystexxa)
Class: Uricase enzyme therapy
Mechanism: Pegloticase is an intravenous medication that is active by the mechanism of uric acid breakdown into a more soluble compound known as allantoin, which the body can more readily excrete.
Indication: It is reserved for chronic gout that cannot be controlled by other therapy (e.g., allopurinol or febuxostat). It is generally reserved for extremely severe gout with several attacks per year or tophi (uric acid crystal deposits in joints or soft tissues).
Administration: Pegloticase is administered intravenous infusion biweekly.
Side Effects: Most common side effects include infusion reactions, gout flares upon starting therapy, and potential allergic reactions.
Consideration: Since it may produce gout flares in the initial stage, patients are generally started on corticosteroids or colchicine for the control of flare in the early weeks of therapy.
2. Lesinurad (Zurampic)
Class: Uricosuric agent
Mechanism: Lesinurad works by blocking the renal urate transporter (URAT1), increasing urinary excretion of uric acid and thus lowering serum uric acid levels.
Indication: It is used together with allopurinol or febuxostat to enhance uric acid reduction in patients not at target on monotherapy with a single urate-lowering drug.
Administration: Oral, once daily, in combination with another urate-lowering therapy.
Side Effects: Common side effects are headache, gastrointestinal upset, and renal upset (such as kidney stones). It should be avoided in cases of severe renal impairment.
Consideration: Lesinurad is generally used when patients do not respond properly to other treatment.
3. Colchicine (Colcrys)
Class: Anti-inflammatory agent
Mechanism: Colchicine eliminates uric acid crystal-induced inflammation in joints. It does not reduce the level of uric acid but is helpful in the management of acute gout attacks by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory pathways.
Indication: Colchicine is used in acute gout attack as well as in prevention in the long term (low doses). New formulations of drugs make dosing more precise.
Administration: The low doses are administered orally for preventing flares and higher doses in an active attack.
Side Effects: Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea) is common and more at higher doses. Very rarely, it may lead to suppression of the bone marrow or liver toxicity.
Consideration: It is anciently used for gout but has gained contemporary interest for maximally dosing to maximize effectiveness and safety.
4. Arhalofenate (URC-102) (Experimental)
Class: Dual-action urate-lowering drug
Mechanism: Arhalofenate is a new drug that lowers uric acid by both increasing the kidney excretion of uric acid (similar to a uricosuric) and lowering the generation of uric acid (similar to xanthine oxidase inhibitors).
Indication: It is also investigated for chronic gout treatment.
Administration: It is administered orally in general, and it is now at the clinical trial phase.
Consideration: Clinical trials are underway, and this medication might offer a two-pronged benefit in managing acute and chronic gout.
5. Canakinumab (Ilaris)
Class: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) inhibitor
Mechanism: Canakinumab inhibits the action of IL-1β, a cytokine whose critical role is involved in the inflammatory response producing pain and swelling in the condition of gout attack. Through prevention of action of this cytokine, canakinumab suppresses inflammation due to gout.
Indication: Canakinumab is utilized in acute gout attacks, particularly in patients with refractory gout that is unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Administration: It is given as a subcutaneous injection every 8 weeks.
Side Effects: Canakinumab is shown to have a fairly low side-effect profile, but it can cause infection risk due to its actions as an immunosuppressant.
Consideration: It is usually reserved for patients who have been non-responsive to other therapy.
6. ACRP (Anti-Crystal Receptor Protein) Inhibitors (Experimental)
Class: Experimental biologic
Mechanism: These inhibitors aim to neutralize the crystals that trigger the inflammatory cascade in gout. They do this by blocking the receptors identifying uric acid crystals, thereby stopping the inflammatory cascade.
Indication: Currently undergoing clinical trials, this therapy aims at controlling gout flares regardless of lowering uric acid levels significantly.
Consideration: This is still in very early experimental phases, and it might offer an innovative way to treat gout with fewer side effects.
Conclusion:
In addition to established treatments like allopurinol and febuxostat, there are more recent medications for gout, such as pegloticase, lesinurad, and canakinumab, that offer options for people who don’t respond to usual therapy or need additional help controlling very severe gout. Besides, research and clinical trials are in progress to study new drugs with diverse modes of action, which can increase efficacy and reduce side effects in patients with chronic gout. Always consult with a health care provider to determine the most suitable treatment based on individual needs and circumstances.
Gout drugs are mainly prescribed either to treat acute gout attacks or lower uric acid levels to prevent future attacks. Like any medication, they may have potential side effects, which can vary depending on the drug used. Below are the potential side effects of common gout medications:
1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin are often employed to treat the inflammation and pain of the acute gout attack.
Potential side effects:
Gastrointestinal:
Stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastritis (stomach lining inflammation) happen with this class of drugs. Long-term use is predisposed to gastrointestinal disease.
Kidney:
NSAIDs can reduce blood supply to the kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury, especially if pre-existing kidney disease is present or due to dehydration.
Cardiovascular risks: Prolonged NSAID use may cause greater risks of heart attack and stroke in some individuals, especially those with existing heart disease.
Increased blood pressure: NSAIDs cause water retention and elevated blood pressure.
Allergic reactions: Rashes, hives, or more severe allergic reactions can occur in some patients.
2. Colchicine
Colchicine is most commonly prescribed for the relief of acute gout attacks or the prevention of gout attacks in patients with frequent attacks.
Possible side effects:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are the most common side effects. They can be severe, especially when the dose is too high.
Bone marrow suppression: Colchicine can sometimes suppress bone marrow activity, causing low white blood cell count, anemia, and low platelets.
Liver toxicity: Colchicine can affect liver function, and liver enzymes should be monitored in prolonged therapy.
Muscle damage: Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscles) is a rare but serious side effect, which can result in kidney injury.
3. Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
Corticosteroids like prednisone are used for treating inflammation during gout attacks, particularly in those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or colchicine.
Potential side effects:
Weight gain: Corticosteroids cause water retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to thinning of bones and increased susceptibility to fractures.
Gastrointestinal issues: Some of them include stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
Increased blood glucose: Steroids increase blood glucose levels, which is dangerous for diabetic patients or those with a predisposition to diabetes.
Increased risk of infections: Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, and the users become more susceptible to infections.
Mood alterations: There is mood fluctuation, irritability, or even more severe psychiatric expressions like anxiety and depression.
4. Uric Acid-Lowering Drugs
These are drugs for chronic therapy of gout to reduce uric acid in the blood.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is perhaps the most widely used drug to reduce uric acid and avoid attack of gout.
Side effects
Rash: A trivial or more pronounced side effect (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an acute rash).
Liver toxicity: Allopurinol is reported to affect liver function, and liver enzymes are to be monitored.
Kidney problems: Allopurinol can damage kidneys in some individuals, particularly with high doses, and renal function must be monitored.
Gastrointestinal problems: Nausea or stomach discomfort may be present in some patients.
Allergic reactions: Rashes, fever, and more serious allergic reactions can be felt in certain people.
Febuxostat
Febuxostat is also a medication consumed to lower the uric acid level, similar to allopurinol.
Potential side effects:
Liver function problems: It can lead to elevated liver enzymes, which might be a sign of liver injury.
Cardiovascular hazards: Elevated heart attacks and stroke danger, especially among people with pre-existing heart problems.
Rash: Skin responses, such as rashes, can be felt.
Gastrointestinal side effects: These can be nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Probenecid
Probenecid reduces uric acid levels by enhancing the excretion of uric acid in the urine.
Possible side effects:
Kidney stones: Probenecid enhances the excretion of uric acid, which may result in uric acid kidney stones if hydration is not maintained.
Gastrointestinal side effects: These are nausea, stomach discomfort, and heartburn.
Rashes: Skin reactions are possible in some individuals.
Headaches: Headaches have been reported by some patients taking probenecid.
5. Pegloticase
Pegloticase is an injectable drug for the treatment of severe, refractory gout by converting uric acid into a more readily excreted form.
Possible side effects:
Infusion reactions: Allergic reactions, fever, and chills during or after infusion.
Gout flares: An initial gout flare has been reported by some individuals when beginning pegloticase therapy.
Rashes: Skin reactions, such as rashes and hives, have been reported.
Heart problems: Heart failure risk exists in those with a history of heart disease.
6. Diuretics and Antacids (in the treatment of Gout)
Diuretics (which can increase uric acid) or antacids containing calcium or magnesium are occasionally used by those with gout and can interfere with the treatment of gout.
Potential side effects:
Dehydration: Dehydration is caused by diuretics, which can increase uric acid and cause a gout attack.
Kidney problems: Diuretics can also affect kidney function, which can complicate gout treatment.
Conclusion
Gout medications can be very effective in managing an acute gout attack and preventing future gout attacks, but they are also at risk of causing side effects. The side effects vary according to the medication taken, and some individuals will be more sensitive than others. It is advisable to carefully follow a physician to monitor side effects and modify as appropriate to eliminate risks.
Would you like more information on a specific drug used for gout or how to best deal with side effects?
End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning The End of Gout Program is an intensive lifestyle guide and diet therapy to treat gout. It aids in minimizing and treating the uncomfortable and painful signs of gout naturally and safely. It will teach the impacted everything regarding the condition. This natural program eliminates triggers and factors that give rise to symptoms. The recommendations are honest, effective, safe, and science-based. The program treats you inside out with gout by attacking the cause. By just signing in, you get to access all the valuable information and make your life gout-free. The program has a 60-day money-back too for risk-free use. Several users have expressed their 100 percent satisfaction and results. Give it a try, and you are sure to be surprised by the fantastic results.