(NAPSA)—If you ever suffer from gout, you'll know thatthediseaseis characterized by sudden,intense, burning pain as well as swelling, redness, warmth andjoint stiffness, mostoftenin the big toe. Gout sufferers usually experience pain from two sources: the formationofuric acid crystals inside the joint that cause pain whenthe joint is moved; andinflammationoftissues around thejoint, which often causes the skin to be swollen, tender andsore at eventheslightest touch. In fact, for somepatients, a blanketor a light sheetdrapedovertheaffected area can cause excruciating pain. Gout Treatments Dietary changes, including avoiding protein-rich foods such as meat and shellfish and limiting alcohol intake, can be helpful to reduce the occurrence of gout attacks. Sometimes, your doctor mayfeel that prescription drugs are necessaryto relieve the pain of gout flares and prevent future attacks. So how do you know what treatmentis best? Your doctor will be awareofthe various treatment. options that exist for gout. Current prescription treatments include medicines that can relieve or prevent gout flares and drugs that lower the body's uric acid levels (high levels are known to cause gout attacks). While your doctor is the best judge of the right treatments for you, options include: * Colchicine: The fact that colchicine has been a cornerstoneof gout treatmentfor hundreds ofyears is testamenttoits effectiveness. High doses, however, can betoxic. Anew form ofcolchicine, known as COLCRYS (colchicine, USP), was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)for the prevention and treatment of acute gout flares. COLCRYS marks a major improvement over older forms of colchicine that never received FDA approval. COLCRYS wasevaluated in clinical trials and Some Gout Treatments Colchicine, 0 cornerstone gouttreatment for hundreds of years. High doses, however, can be toxic. A new form, knownas COLCRYS (colchicine, USP), was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs, such as ibuprofen. These areavailable over the counter and can help controlinflammation andpain. Corticosteroids: These drugs are often used in patients who cannot take colchicine or NSAIDs. They may provide ropid relief of gout symptoms but are usually prescribed only for a short period of time. Uric acidlowering agents controlthe buildup of uric acid levels in your bloods, was showntobeeffective atrelieving acute goutflares within a 24hourperiod with significantly fewer side effects than unapproved, highdose colchicine regimens. * NSAIDs(nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs): NSAIDs help control inflammation and pain. NSAIDssuch as ibuprofenare available over thecounter. Aspirinis not indicatedfor gout, as it mayraise the level of uric acid in yourblood. * Corticosteroids: These drugs may provide rapid relief of gout symptoms and maybegiven intravenously, orally or as an injection. Corticosteroids are often used in patients who cannot takecolchicine or NSAIDs andare usually prescribed only for a short time. Other medications may be prescribed by your doctor to keep gout attacks at bay. Uric acidlowering (UAL) agents, for instance, are often prescribed as a preventive treatmentfor gout. These treatments control the buildup of uric acid levels in your blood. Side Effects Of Gout Drugs It is important to alwaysalert yourdoctor to anysideeffects you may be experiencing with your current treatments. Keep in mind that no treatments are without side effects. Gastrointestinal conditions such as stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea are possible with NSAIDs andcolchicine. Uric acid—lowering agents such as allopurinol may lower bloodcell counts and cause drowsiness. Probenecid, a drug that helps the body eliminate uric acid, may cause stomachache, headache or sore gums. You may experience other side effects, depending on your treatment regimen. Important Safety Information: COLCRYS(colchicine, USP) tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute gout flaresin adults. COLCRYSis contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment who are concurrently prescribed P-gp inhibitors or strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, es life-threateningor fatal toxicity has been reported. The most commonadverse events in clinical trials for the prophylaxis andtreatmentof gout were diarrhea and pharyngolaryngeal pain. Rarely, myelosuppression, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia havebeenreported in patients taking colchicine. Rhabdomyolysis has beenoccasionally observed, especially when colchicineis prescribed in combination with other drugs known to cause this effect. Monitoring is recommendedfor patients with a history of blood dyscrasias or rhabdomyolysis. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call (800) FDA-1088. You may also report negative side effects to the manufacturer of COLCRYSbycalling (888) 3513786. See www.colerys.com for full Prescribing Information. If you or a loved one has symptomsofgout, talk to a health care professionalandvisit wwwcolerys.com.
