Top 5 Medications to Improve Gout Management
This article reviews five essential medications for effective gout management, including NSAIDs, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and colchicine. It explains their uses, costs, and discounts available through various programs, helping patients control symptoms and prevent flare-ups more efficiently. Proper medication and lifestyle adjustments are vital for managing gout’s discomfort and complications, with options available to fit different budgets.
Effective Medications for Better Gout Control
Gout, a form of arthritis, causes intense joint pain, redness, and swelling. It results from excess uric acid in the blood, which forms urate crystals in the joints. Uric acid forms after purines break down, found in certain foods and produced naturally in the body. Sudden flare-ups are common, but eating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding purine-rich items can help. Medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Here are key medications aiding in gout treatment.
Naprosyn (Naproxen)
A widely used NSAID, Naprosyn comes in various dosages as prescribed. It effectively reduces muscle pain, joint inflammation, and swelling. Doctors also recommend it for bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis relief. Generic versions are typically priced around $16.13, with discounts up to 76% available through GoodRX Gold for 30 tablets of 500mg. Prices may vary based on dosage and pharmacy discounts.
Zyloprim (Allopurinol)
With an average retail cost of about $19.62, Zyloprim offers discounts up to 69% via GoodRX Gold. Available in 30-tablet packages of 300mg, this medication inhibits xanthine oxidase, reducing uric acid buildup. It is commonly prescribed to control gout symptoms and prevent high uric acid levels caused by chemotherapy treatments.
Taperdex (Dexamethasone)
Marketed as dexamethasone, Taperdex is prescribed to manage joint and skin inflammation. It is also used for lung inflammation, allergies, and asthma. Available in 1.5mg packs for 6, 7, or 12 days, it offers savings up to 58% with a GoodRx Gold membership for 10 tablets of 4mg.
Prednisone
A cost-effective corticosteroid for gout, Prednisone is available in generic form. It treats gout, arthritis, allergies, and asthma, and comes in tablet, oral solution, and dose pack forms. Typically priced at $9.73, discounts up to 78% can be obtained via GoodRx Gold for 10 tablets of 20mg, depending on the package and dosage.
Colchicine (Mitigare, Colcrys)
Mitigare helps control swelling and pain during acute gout attacks. It’s available as tablets or capsules in doses of 0.6mg, with quantities of 3, 10, 30, 60, and 90 units. By using GoodRx Gold, discounts up to 26% can be applied to 30 tablets of 0.6mg. Prices vary for brand versus generic options and different dosages.
