Gout is one of the types of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream. Inflammation and pain occur when there is too much accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The first sign of gout is often pain in the big toe.
The condition usually affects one joint at a time, but it can spread to other joints, causing inflammation. Gout is incurable but the symptoms can be controlled using certain types of medicines.
Generic drugs for gout help in two ways. First, they reduce pain and inflammation during a flare. Second, they reduce the accumulation of uric acid in the joints.
Generic Drugs for Gout
Allopurinol (Generic Zyloprim): It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for gout. The drug helps lower uric acid levels. Generic allopurinol may take a few weeks to take full effect, so you may experience a flare during that time.
Febuxostat (Generic Uloric): This medicine blocks a specific enzyme that breaks purine into uric acid, preventing the body from making uric acid. Generic febuxostat is processed mainly by the liver, so it’s safe for people with chronic kidney disease, according to Healthline.
Probenecid (Generic Probalan): It is for gout patients whose kidneys fail to excrete uric acid properly. The drug helps the kidneys to throw out uric acid. However, generic probenecid is not advised to people with kidney disease.
Lesinurad (Generic Zurampic): The FDA approved this drug in 2015 for people who do not respond to generic allopurinol or generic febuxostat.
Pegloticase (Generic Krystexxa): It is actually an enzyme that converts uric acid into allantoin, a safer compound. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks, says Healthline.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are OTC drugs available for gout. NSAIDs used for gout may include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), or indomethacin (Indocin).
Colchicine: It is a prescription pain reliever that can stop a gout flare.
Corticosteroids: Prednisone is one of the most commonly prescribed corticosteroids for people with gout. It relieves pain and inflammation. Many gout medications help relieve pain and inflammation but research is ongoing to find more treatments, and possibly a cure. To know more about generic drugs for gout, talk to your doctor.
