The Harm of Improper Medication
Many gout patients choose to take medications to relieve pain and inflammation when the disease flares up. However, some patients only start taking medication when gout attacks occur and stop treatment once the symptoms subside. This practice is actually improper and may lead to frequent gout flare-ups.
Six Major Improper Medication Details
1. Only Medicating During Gout Attacks
Many patients only start taking medication when gout symptoms appear and stop once the symptoms ease. This is incorrect as reducing uric acid levels is crucial for long-term prevention of gout attacks.
2. Not Following Medical Advice, Self-Adjusting Medications or Dosages
Patients sometimes alter medications or adjust dosages based on their own feelings or non-professional advice, which can lead to unstable uric acid control and increased risk of attacks.
3. Using Medications Unsuitable for Themselves
Various uric acid-lowering medications are suitable for different situations. For example, allopurinol cannot be used for patients with urinary stones, but without prior stone screening, patients may mistakenly use this medication.
4. Ignoring Medication Side Effects
Some uric acid-lowering and pain-relieving medications may have side effects, such as improper colchicine use leading to liver and kidney damage. Patients need to closely monitor side effects and adjust medication accordingly.
5. Failing to Continuously Monitor Uric Acid Levels
Gout treatment requires regular monitoring of uric acid levels to assess treatment effectiveness. Without regular checks, patients cannot determine if the medication is effectively controlling uric acid levels and make necessary adjustments.
6. Not Taking Medication on Time or Missing Doses
Some patients may forget to take medication on time, leading to fluctuations in uric acid levels and increasing the risk of gout attacks.
Gout expert Zhou Guilan’s Reminder
Gout is a disease caused by hyperuricemia, characterized by the deposition of urate crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and severe pain. Treating gout usually requires long-term stable medication, but many patients exhibit improper behaviors during medication that may cause frequent gout attacks.
To prevent frequent gout attacks, patients should follow medical guidance for medication, take medications on time, avoid self-adjusting dosages, be aware of medication interactions, and closely monitor medication side effects. Ensuring treatment effectiveness reduces the risk of gout attacks, and proper medication use is key to preventing and controlling gout.
