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Suggest Treatment For Gout In An Elderly Person
Question: I am 62 and developed my first gout attack after an infection that went to my kidney in April (only have one/renal cancer 2004). First attack, right after release from hospital sent me back to ER, admitting nurse and Dr. immediately said it was gout and prescribed prednisone. I don't remember exact dosage but my memory was starting with 7,6,5,4...down to one. Second time PCP prescribed prednisone once a day for 7 day, third attach a few month back PCP prescribed prednisone starting at 4 then 3,2,1. yesterday he prescribed colchicine 6 mg 1-2 times a day. The prednisone worked almost immediately (overnight was much better) took 2 colchicine yesterday, and it seems worst. took another two today, again seems worse. Suggestion?
Brief Answer:
Colchicine could be for very high uric acid levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
You had 3 attacks of gout and given prednisone after first two attacks and now during 3rd attach were given colchicine.
In my opinion Prednisone is not the treatment of choice except as emergency supplement for primary gout drugs like zyloric or febustat.
In case the S uric Acid level is very high , then colchicine is given which has a slower effect but it helps in settling the uric acid levels. Colchicine works slower as compared to prednisone so the symptoms may not be immediately relieved . Later on it is also tapered off and regular gout medicines are prescribed. Would suggest pain killers along with colchicine to relieve pain.
Thanks for the question.
Colchicine could be for very high uric acid levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
You had 3 attacks of gout and given prednisone after first two attacks and now during 3rd attach were given colchicine.
In my opinion Prednisone is not the treatment of choice except as emergency supplement for primary gout drugs like zyloric or febustat.
In case the S uric Acid level is very high , then colchicine is given which has a slower effect but it helps in settling the uric acid levels. Colchicine works slower as compared to prednisone so the symptoms may not be immediately relieved . Later on it is also tapered off and regular gout medicines are prescribed. Would suggest pain killers along with colchicine to relieve pain.
Thanks for the question.
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