Understanding Your Gout Diagnosis

Hello Gout Education,

The Gout Education Society is committed to raising awareness of gout—the most common form of inflammatory arthritis—and how to manage it for the long term. The Society offers a variety of free, unbiased resources at GoutEducation.org to help you learn more about gout and treatment options.

For those experiencing their first gout flare, it is often described as a sudden, intense pain in one or more joints, commonly the big toe. Many first-time gout sufferers do not understand that this pain is a hallmark symptom of gout, which is why it is important to understand how to recognize, treat, and manage the initial symptoms of flares.

When sharing information about your flare with a doctor, they may suspect gout, given the symptoms. It is important to also share a thorough health history with the doctor examining your symptoms. This comprehensive approach can help your doctor make a diagnosis faster. Interestingly, most gout flares are initially managed in primary care settings. Dr. Doghramji of the Gout Education Society's Board of Directors highlights this in a recent blog, stating,"Primary care physicians (PCPs), urgent care workers, and emergency room health care providers are the first line of defense in recognizing and addressing acute flares promptly and properly." Dr. Doghramji reinforces the importance of engaging with primary care professionals for initial gout management.

When you visit your doctor after a flare, they will likely help you understand these symptoms and discuss treatment options to manage both the pain and the underlying cause of gout. You also may be prescribed pain medications to control the immediate discomfort and possibly a urate-lowering therapy (ULT) to help prevent future flares. As time goes on, it is important to play an active role in the long-term treatment and management of your gout diagnosis.

Tracking your symptoms is key to managing your gout over time and making sure your doctor is aware of any and all changes happening physically to ensure you are provided the best possible care. The Gout Education Society offers a helpful tracker card that can be used to monitor your flare-ups, pain levels, and medication use. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms can help you and your doctor adjust your treatment plan as needed to better control the diseases and improve your quality of life.

Remember, managing gout is a journey that involves both you and your doctor, and staying informed and proactive is key to successful long-term management.

Have any questions? Email us: info@gouteducation.org.

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Suffering from painful gout flares and don't know where to begin when managing or treating your diagnosis? Visit the Gout Education Society website for more educational information and strategies for managing gout flares.

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The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Gout Education and Support

Gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, isn’t just a temporary inconvenience. Sudden and severe joint pain can be debilitating, significantly impacting patients’ lives. Uncontrolled gout leads to physical limitations, emotional distress, and increased healthcare burden – including emergency department visits. Healthcare providers in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation and the Gout Education Society can empower patients with comprehensive gout education and support resources. 

Clinical Trial Opportunity: Have Hyperuricemia?

LG Chem is looking for 350 participants across several different regions to try out Tigulixostat, a medication designed to stop the enzyme that metabolizes purines. Purines are the compounds that become uric acid. When built up over time, this can cause hyperuricemia, which is the root cause of gout.

Tigulixostat is classified as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, similar to allopurinol or febuxostat. The Phase 3 clinical trial intends to test the drug’s effectiveness for six months in people with hyperuricemia, versus those who are given a placebo.

Find out here if you are eligible to participate

Clinical Trial Seeks People with an Acute Gout Attack

Olatec Therapeutics is seeking participants for its Phase 2/3 clinical trial in patients with an acute gout flare. The objective of the clinical trial is to test an oral anti-inflammatory, called dapansutrile, which is an investigational drug not yet approved by FDA. The trial will assess the effectiveness of dapansutrile in treating inflammatory pain over 8 days in people with gout who are experiencing an acute gout attack versus those who are given a placebo. Rescue treatment is offered if pain remains intolerable while on study. 

The trial is seeking participants located throughout the United States and Europe. 

To find out if you're eligible please visit clinicaltrials.gov and/or contact gout@olatec.com

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