Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain. Painkillers can help the pain and healthier lifestyle choices can prevent future attacks.
Useful links
NHS – Gout
NHS Oxford Health – Advice for Managing GoutInformation for Patients Taking Allopurinol for Gout
Allopurinol is a medication used to prevent gout. High levels of urate can cause gout, therefore we aim to keep it at a low level in patients who experience gout flares and gouty arthritis.
If patients have a high blood urate, we will check it at intervals by taking a blood test and change their medication dose until it reaches the target level. Once this target is achieved, patients should have their urate level checked annually to ensure it remains low.
More information about gout and allopurinol can be found here:
NHS – Gout
NHS – Allopurinol: A Medicine to Treat Gout
If you are taking allopurinol regularly and haven’t had your blood urate tested in the past year, we recommend booking a routine blood test with the practice. Your doctor may also contact you asking to check your blood urate level even if it has been tested in the past year.
You can book a routine blood test on your NHS App or by calling the practice on 01993 702911.