(Gout) I have to take medicine for the rest of my life… Do I have to worry about side effects?

Gout is a disease in which uric acid in the blood is deposited in the joints and surrounding soft tissues, causing severe pain. It is common in men in their 40s and 50s and occurs mostly on the big toe, but can also appear on the ankles and knees.

 

The most important treatment for gout is to suppress uric acid accumulation or expel it through urine. Uric acid-lowering medications should be used to lower elevated uric acid levels. Gout is a disease that requires lifelong management with medication, not surgery or other procedures.

 

◇Start treatment if you have two gout attacks per year.

 

If gout attacks occur more than twice a year, uric acid lowering treatment with medication is started. However, if you have a chronic disease, a uric acid level of 9 mg/dL or higher, or a history of urinary stones, it is recommended to start uric acid lowering treatment immediately after the onset of gout, regardless of the number of attacks per year. According to some research results, 13% of asymptomatic patients without gouty tophi who took uric acid lowering drugs for more than a year remained asymptomatic for 5 years with a uric acid level of 7 mg/dL or lower (normal). However, most patients relapse, so it is recommended to continue taking uric acid lowering drugs unless there are side effects.

◇Caution when taking medication for gout patients with hypertension or hyperlipidemia

 

cast Gout patients require lifelong medication management. Patients with metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, should also take these medications, but caution is advised. Diuretics, among blood pressure medications, increase blood uric acid levels. Therefore, gout patients with hypertension should discontinue diuretics like thiazide and furosemide and replace them with losartan, a blood pressure medication that lowers uric acid. For hyperlipidemia in gout patients, statins, which excrete uric acid, are recommended, and for triglycerides, fenofibrate is recommended.

 

Because uric acid-lowering drugs are metabolized by the kidneys and liver, the medication should be selected based on the patient's underlying condition. While taking the medication, regular blood tests should be performed to monitor liver and kidney function. Most medications effectively lower uric acid levels without significant side effects, and the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the risks of not taking it. Therefore, adherence to medication is crucial.

 

Meanwhile, past research has shown that low-dose aspirin increases blood uric acid levels. However, if you're concerned about this and are taking aspirin for heart or other conditions, there's no need to stop. If you need to take medication for headaches or other pain, it's recommended to choose another pain reliever rather than aspirin.

 

◇Avoid internal organs and be careful of drinks containing high fructose corn syrup

 

Uric acid, the cause of gout, is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines (compounds composed of pyrimidine and imidazole) found in food. Because purines break down into uric acid, it's best to eat foods low in purines. In particular, avoid meat and organ parts like organ meats, and limit your intake of shrimp and shellfish.

 

High fructose corn syrup, which is used to sweeten foods, increases uric acid. Avoid drinks and foods that contain fructose. Do it. It should be noted that beer is no better for gout sufferers than hard liquor because it increases blood levels of uric acid. Above all, gout patients often have multiple metabolic diseases and are affected by food and other medications, so it is important to consult with a specialist to receive customized treatment.

 

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Gout is a very scary disease that causes pain even when the wind blows.

The medicine of a lifetime...

 

You should pay more attention during Chuseok.

Beer is a strong drink...

It's better to avoid sweet drinks.