Gout Treatment & Medication

Gout

Oxford Online Pharmacy Gout Service and Information

Gout can be treated with tablets and capsules, which are prescription only. If you have gout, Oxford Online Pharmacy provides an online consultation with our resident GMC-registered doctor. Please select your tablets and complete the online doctor's questionnaire. Your answers will then be assessed by our doctor and, if approved, a prescription will be issued. If you already have a private or NHS prescription, you can select the prescribed medication and send your prescription to Oxford Online Pharmacy. Your medicine will be dispensed and sent in discrete packaging to you when we have received your prescription.

Introduction and Symptoms

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid, leading to painful swelling and redness in the big toe and other joints. A gout attack builds up quickly in just six to twenty-four hours and severe pain can last from three to ten days. Once you have had gout, it is likely to reoccur.

Gout is more common in older age, with one in seven older men and one in sixteen older women suffering.

What Causes Gout?

Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is made in the body every day and is normally excreted via the kidneys. Too much uric acid and the body can form sodium urate crystals around the joints and there can be a slow build-up over the years.

Risk Factors

Your chances of getting gout increase as follows:-

• Age and Sex - more prevalent amongst the old and men in particular
• Being overweight or obese
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• If relatives suffer from it
• Long-term kidney problems
• Drinking too much beer or spirits
• Eating foods rich in purines, such as sardines, fish food or liver

Treatment

You can treat gout with prescribed tablets and capsules, which are prescription only. Lifestyle changes will also help. Avoid excessive alcohol and cut down on fish foods and liver. Look to exercise more and lose weight.