Clinical update on gout

The module explains the symptoms of an acute attack and how it is managed, plus ways in which the risk of repeat episodes can be reduced and the incidence of complications lessened, which can be debilitating.

Key facts

• Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis
• Acute attacks occur due to uric acid crystals accumulating in a joint, most commonly one of the big toes, causing severe pain, redness and swelling
• NSAIDs and colchicine are the two most common drug treatment options for acute episodes of gout
• Left unmanaged, gout can cause long-term problems including disability due to joint damage
• Allopurinol and febuxostat are the most frequently used urate lowering therapies (ULTs)

Contributing author: Asha Fowells MRPharmS MFRPSII, clinical pharmacy writer