Dangerous Side Effects Of Gout Pain Relief Prescriptions

Many gout sufferers find that they want to be on a prescription medication for maximum gout pain relief. The pain associated with this condition can be pretty severer.

Though a change in diet can help improve the symptoms, many have to have a medication on top of diet change in order to manage the pain. Because gout is usually found in the big toe, those with serious amounts of pain have a hard time walking. This can severely limit quality of life.

There are some great medications that can help with gout pain relief, but it is important to watch out for any side effects that may compromise health.

One of the most common gout drugs is Colchicine. This comes from the crocus plant. This is provides both a relief when there is an attack, and also has the potential to be a preventative medication as well.

This should be used in the first day of a gout attack, and works in a high percentage of those who suffer with this condition. The most common side effect is upset in the digestive tract.

However, when too much of this is taken, it can be lethal. It can cause bone marrow damage and anemia. This means the white count can get low, and infections can set in. A patient should have their blood cell counts monitored while on this medication. An overdose can be deadly, so this must be taken with care. Anyone with unusual side effects must get in to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Benemid is a drug that helps to remove the uric acid build up in the body that brings on gout attacks. It will not cure the condition, but it can help keep flare ups down to a minimum.

Some of the most common side effects are dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, upset stomach, frequent urination, and hair loss. These should be minor though, and if they become chronic, this should be brought to the attention of the prescribing doctor.

There are some signs that should be reported as soon as possible, as they may indicate something more serious is going on. Side effects such as bloody urine, sores in and around the mouth, rash, severe swelling, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, strange bleeding or bruises, and difficulty with breathing.

Prednisone is often used to reduce an attack. It might only be given for a few days, or a shot may be done directly into the inflamed and painful area. Many doctors prefer to taper this drug off slowly to avoid the flare up from coming back.

Infections are one of the more serious side effects of this drug. A patient should keep a close eye out for signs that indicate there may be an infection somewhere in the body. Less common and less serious side effects are trouble with falling and staying asleep, heartburn due to increased stomach acid production, and an increase in hunger.

Many of these medications will be paired with NSAIDS when appropriate. If a patient is taking any of these drugs, they should ask their doctor before they take anything else. Most of these are not safe for pregnant or nursing mothers. They may cause birth defects and other problems.

Probably one of the smartest moves a person taking prescriptions for gout pain relief can do is to ask their doctor what to look for and what they should avoid.

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