Busting Common Myths Around Gout

Hello Gout Education,

The Gout Education Society is committed to raising awareness of gout—the most common form of inflammatory arthritis—and how to manage it for the long term. The Society offers a variety of free, unbiased resources at GoutEducation.org to help you learn more about gout and treatment options.

Navigating life with gout can be challenging: Especially when faced with conflicting information about the disease. That's why the Gout Education Society has resources that can provide you with accurate knowledge on your journey to better health. This month, the Society is raising awareness about the truths of gout management and treatment.

Gout Is Self-Inflicted Myth

Many with gout believe they brought it upon themselves due to overindulgence. While overindulging in shrimp and steak can bring on gout flares, it was not what caused the gout to develop. The myth that gout is self-caused is particularly dangerous, as it places the blame on the actions of the afflicted, instead of the root cause: The body's inability to filter uric acid. Dispelling this myth is important in increasing education about the disease and improving the stigma that is commonly attached.

The Gout Diet Myth

There is a common belief that gout can be managed by dietary and lifestyle changes alone. This is a myth. Typically, the majority of those with gout will not be able to reduce uric acid levels to a target of 6.0 mg/dL without the help of daily uric acid-lowering medications to minimize the impact of the disease.

However, it is important to take a holistic approach to your gout diagnosis and be open-minded to the role that diet can play. Diet is, in fact, a key part of the management of the disease. For instance, it's important to recognize that some foods can trigger flares (e.g., shellfish, red meat and beer). Abstaining or moderating consumption of these items can help curtail painful flares from occurring. Additionally, a healthy diet can mitigate the impact of other common health conditions seen alongside gout, such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes.

By understanding the facts and dispelling the myths, those with gout can make proactive steps towards better managing the condition and overall quality of life.

To order a free educational brochure on gout, visit the Contact Us page on the Society's website.

Have any questions? Email us: info@gouteducation.org.

Featured Cartoon

Most gout cannot be controlled by dietary changes alone! Skip the cherry juice and talk to your doctor to get your uric acid levels below 6.0 mg/dL.

New Blog:

High Uric Acid: It's A Lot More Than Gout Flares

Recently, Gout Education Society Board Member, Joan McTigue, MS, PA-C looked at the impact of uric acid on the body, specifically, its role in increasing risk to develop over a dozen heart diseases. Check out the blog today to learn more about the dangers of uric acid beyond just gout.

Clinical Trial Opportunity: Have Hyperuricemia?

LG Chem is looking for 350 participants across several different regions to try out Tigulixostat, a medication designed to stop the enzyme that metabolizes purines. Purines are the compounds that become uric acid. When built up over time, this can cause hyperuricemia, which is the root cause of gout.

Tigulixostat is classified as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, similar to allopurinol or febuxostat. The Phase 3 clinical trial intends to test the drug’s effectiveness for six months in people with hyperuricemia, versus those who are given a placebo.

Find out here if you are eligible to participate

Clinical Trial Seeks People with an Acute Gout Attack

Olatec Therapeutics is seeking participants for its Phase 2/3 clinical trial in patients with an acute gout flare. The objective of the clinical trial is to test an oral anti-inflammatory, called dapansutrile, which is an investigational drug not yet approved by FDA. The trial will assess the effectiveness of dapansutrile in treating inflammatory pain over 8 days in people with gout who are experiencing an acute gout attack versus those who are given a placebo. Rescue treatment is offered if pain remains intolerable while on study. 

The trial is seeking participants located throughout the USA and in Europe. 

To find out if you're eligible please visit clinicaltrials.gov and/or contact gout@olatec.com

Clinical Trial Seeks People Around Houston

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is seeking participants with diagnosed gout for research on treatment options for the disease. Participants must be willing to commit time for study visits at the practice's clinic in The Woodlands, Texas.

To find out if you are eligible or to sign up please contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (936) 681 4882

Stay up to date on the most recent gout news