Overview Of Common Gout Medications

Corticosteroids

Gout patients take corticosteroids to treat and prevent gout attacks. They are prescribed when they cannot take anti-inflammatories or colchicine. One example used for gout is prednisone! These medications reduce gout pain and inflammation. Patients often take this medication orally. However, injections are available! Corticosteroids are meant for short-term use. They cause several side effects, such as mood changes, sleep problems, increased blood sugar, and higher blood pressure. A patient's risk of bone fractures also increases when they take this type of medication!

Patients must speak to their doctor about their medical history before taking this medication. They have to tell them when they have a history of osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and eye issues. A history of liver or kidney disease matters as well! These conditions will adjust the patient's use of this medication. Patients also need to withdraw from this medication under a doctor's supervision. This is especially so when they have taken a corticosteroid for longer than fourteen days! Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, body aches, and nausea.

Keep reading to learn more about the medications used to treat this condition now.