Gout is often referred to as podagra. It is an inflammation in joints due to the fact that crystals of uric acid are common in the joints. Because of the inflammation, the joint becomes painful, hot, red and swollen.

Uric acid is a substance that is formed in the body. from the decomposition of purine rich nutrients. Generally, there is a balance between production and excretion of uric acid from the body. In uric acid it is usually too much uric acid in the blood. This is usually due to the fact that the excretion through the kidneys is not as effective as normal, but it can also be caused by excessive production of uric acid.1

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Causes of Podagra

High levels of uric acid in the blood and imbalance in uric acid concentration trigger uric acid attack. The attacks are seen in major tissue damage, surgery, hunger, severe diarrhoea with fluid loss, thirsty, diuretic drugs, by ingestion of all types of alcohol or without prior notice. Sometimes abundant intake of purine-containing foods, such as food, peas, beans, sardines, yeast and beer, can cause seizures.

Uric acid is one of the body’s wastes that are secreted through the kidneys. As the amount of uric acid in the body increases, uric acid crystals may be excreted in the joints and acute inflammation of the joints occurs. However, elevated uric acid content in the blood does not necessarily lead to uric acid levels. There are many reasons why the amount of uric acid in the body increases:

  • Some have inherited an increased risk
  • Some people eat large quantities of foods that, among other things, break down into uric acid, such as meat, feed, mackerel and anchovy
  • Certain diseases with high cell turnover, eg psoriasis, increase uric acid levels
  • In case of renal impairment, less uric acid is secreted. The same is true of drinking alcohol, which is a frequent cause of acute urinary acne
  • High intake of fruit sugar (fructose). In particular, there is a problem with greater intake of sweet soda drinks, which are industrially added to fructose-containing sugars. Intake of sweet fruit in normal amounts hardly poses any problem, and due to The fruit’s otherwise beneficial effects on health do not discourage a regular consumption of sweet fruit
  • Artificially sweetened soda drinks do not lead to an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the blood

There are also other factors that ensure high blood urea levels in the blood:

  • Too high alcohol consumption, especially beer
  • High intake of red meat
  • Overweight
  • The combination of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Use of certain medicines, such as diuretic medications against high blood pressure and common acetylsalicylic acid

Symptoms of Gout

Joint pain usually occurs abruptly, usually over a few hours. Osteoarthritis usually occurs as an attack. But there are other symptoms than that. Generally, urinary systolic affects the root of the big toe, but also other joints in the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, fingers, or elbow can be painful. It usually appears that you experience acute swelling, redness and pain in one single joint. The pain is violent, but they diminish within a week’s time. The uric acid can divert itself into the skin, where it is seen as small, gold-white nodules. If uric acid deposits in the kidneys, you may have kidney stones.

Clear crystals can also be formed under the skin of your hands, knees, wrists, elbows or ears. They look like white lumps, and the doctors call these lumps for tophi. The doctor will probably be able to diagnose uric acid by investigating. Probably you will also need a blood test to check how much uric acid you have in the blood.

During the attack, one feels sick, often with fever, sweating and nausea. The pain can eventually increase, especially about the nights, and the joints with the surroundings become so hot and swollen that it all can recall an infection. Upon examination of arthritis, plenty of typical pointed uric acid crystals are detected together with increased white blood cell count.

Adenuric as treatment for Gout

Adenuric tablets contain the active substance febuxostat and used to treat gout, which is associated with an excess of a chemical called uric acid (urate) in the body. In some people, too high amount of uric acid occurs in the blood.
This medicine is available as tablets (80 and 120 mg). It works by reducing uric acid levels. Keeping uric acid levels low by using this drug once a day prevents crystals from building up in the body, and over time it will reduce the symptoms.

For the treatment of prolonged uric acid levels, the recommended dose of Adenuric 80 mg is once a day. This usually reduces blood uric acid levels within two weeks, but the dose may be increased to 120 mg once daily if the blood’s uric acid levels remain high after two to four weeks. Gout attacks may still occur during the first months of treatment, so it is recommended that patients take other drugs to prevent gout eruptions for at least the first six months of Adenuric.

Possible side effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions with Adenuric are gout bleeding, abnormal liver test results, diarrhoea, nausea (nausea), headache, rash and edema (swelling). These side effects were mostly mild or moderate in severity. Rare severe hypersensitivity reactions (allergic) reactions to adenuric have occurred after post marketing.
Some known side effects include:

  • Rashes, including blisters on the skin
  • Itch
  • Swelling of limbs and face
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Be aware that you may also experience dizziness, tiredness, fainting and numbness or tingling / stinging feeling during treatment and that you should not drive or use machines if you experience this.

Adenuric contraindications

This medicine is not recommended for people who are:

  • Pregnant
  • Breast feeding
  • People taking medicines like mercaptopurine or azathioprine.
  • Persons with heart failure or other heart disease,
  • It is not recommended for people who have had organ transplants.
  • This medicine is not recommended for people who are being treated for high uric acid levels due to cancer or
  • Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
  • Adenuric tablets are not recommended for children or adolescents.
  • Lactose-intolerant

Note, if you are allergic to febuxostat or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, you may not use this medicine. If you notice any side effects with this medicine, seek medical attention immediately.

Can I buy this medicine online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy this medicine from an online clinic. But first you need to fill out a medical form, then get medical advice if you are fit for treatment. Your doctor will then review your form to ensure that the product is suitable for you. Once approved, the order generates an electronic prescription received by their co-operating pharmacy. The drug will then be dispensed and packed for delivery to the doorstep.

Note, that this medicine is not sold without a prescription in Norway, so it is important to be aware of websites selling this medicine without the need for a prescription. These drugs may contain illegal substances that may be dangerous to you and your health. If you are taking other medicines and are not sure if this medicine will work negatively with other means you use, always provide such information through the consultation method you choose.

Sources:

  1. More about causes – NHS