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Pharmacists have a key role in the care of people with gout
If you identify a patient who is regularly purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) medications for the treatment of gout, encourage them to consult their GP to discuss the use of uric acid lowering medication, for the prevention of future attacks.
Pharmacists can make a difference by helping identify patients at high risk of gout who may benefit from prescription medication. Gout in New Zealand is common and increasing, particularly amongst Māori and Pacific Islanders. It is often poorly treated and is a major cause of significant disability. Early intervention is vital. Educating patients to accept that OTC pain relievers will not stop joint damage and that they are only of limited benefit in an acute attack may help persuade people to visit their GP. Many patients are not aware that gout can be prevented through the use of allopurinol. Those who have had a second acute attack require GP assessment and likely use of allopurinol. Good treatment of gout requires a team approach. Encouraging people who are in a high risk group to see their GP will help achieve effective treatment of gout. These high risk patients may also benefit from cardiovascular risk factor assessment.
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