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New Pill Soothes Pain Of Those Suffering From Gout
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CBS
Burning pain, stiffness and swelling are all symptoms of a form of arthritis known as gout.
Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn says there's good news for gout sufferers in the form of a pill.
This is the first new treatment for gout in more than 40 years.
Robert Segal has been taking the same medication for more than a decade. Allopurinol is commonly prescribed for the treatment of gout.
"Gout is a form of arthritis that results in acute inflammation. The joint affected becomes red, swollen and exquisitely painful," said Dr. Marc Hochberg, University of Maryland Medical Center.
About 5 million Americans and 10 percent of men in the U.S. have it. Too much of a chemical in the blood called uric acid causes crystals to form in the joints, often in the joint of the big toe.
"Diets which are rich in animal protein, meat and fish lead to elevated uric acid in the blood and increase the risk of developing gout," said Dr. Hochberg.
Sufferers like Segal turn to medication to ease the pain. But about 10 percent of patients cannot tolerate the drugs due to allergic reactions or other health problems. For them, a newly approved once-a-day drug called Uloric could be a breakthrough medication.
"It's a major advance for the management of patients with gout," said Dr. Hochberg.
Uloric stops the pain of gout by blocking an enzyme to prevent the production of uric acid and crystals that form in the joints. The most common side effect is liver abnormalities, which means patients who take Uloric should have regular liver testing.
Robert's commitment to taking his medication has helped him manage his condition. He's even lost weight and interest in the foods and drinks that worsen gout.
"I don't drink as much beer. I've switched to scotch, which is more expensive but certainly enjoyable," said Segal.
To reduce your risk of gout, doctors recommend you limit beer, fish and seafood, cut out rich meats like liver, lose weight and increase your intake of Vitamins C and E.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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