Gout can be compared to arthritis that occurs in the human body when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes joint inflammation. In many cases, gout will attack the big toe. Gout can be any type, acute or chronic. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid prodrug. It is used in treatment of inflammatory diseases such as severe allergic reactions. It is given at higher doses in some types of cancer.
How to Treat Gout with Prednisone:
There are many drugs available for the treatment of gout and Prednisone is one of them. Doctors can recommend Prednisone in the form of tablets or in oral solutions. A starting dose for gout related treatment ranges from 5mg to 60mg per day.
Before you can be treated with Prednisone a doctor or medical specialist will examine your gout to see if treating you with Prednisone will be an option or not. Doctors do not normally recommend Prednisone for those who are afflicted by certain types of medical conditions such as kidney disease, high blood pressure problems, or liver disease.
The doctor will determine what type and dosage of Prednisone will be best for each specific gout patient’s treatment and whether it should be given as a short-term or long-term therapy. The doctor will take the pain level into consideration as well as gout severity and the patient body’s response to other medications. He then will make the decision regarding giving the patient an injection of prednisone in the affected joint or to prescribe him an oral form of the drug if at all.
If it is only one joint that is affected by gout then ask your doctor to use an inject-able form of prednisone. One time injection generates fewer side effects than a regular dose of injections; not to mention, it is more effective in managing your pain.
Patients with gout problems of small joints such as elbows and toes are usually given 10mg-40mg of medication. If a gout problem is in more than one area of your body, the dose should begin at 0.5mg for every 2.2 pounds of your body’s weight.
Prednisone as a regular medication for gout should be taken after a doctor’s advice only. He is the one who can determine the lowest effective dose for you. In any case where you miss your prescribed dose, immediately call your doctor for instruction. If you are advised to regularly take Prednisone for gout then do not stop taking the dose suddenly without the doctor’s consultation because it could suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
When you are taking Prednisone for the treatment of gout, pay attention to these things: Avoid contact with cold or flu patients, as Prednisone will suppress your immune system. Remember not to consume grapefruit when taking Prednisone unless your doctor gives permission first.
Prednisone intake during treatment of gout can generate the following side effects: headache, fragile skin and weight gain. Long-term side effects could be cataracts, bone loss, weakening of the immune system.
Remember treating gout with Prednisone it should first be taken under a doctor’s supervision no matter how severe your pain is. The doctor will explain to you all the side effects as well as what you should look for and expect from the drug.