Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine

Most patients who suffer an acute gout attack should be started on urate lowering therapy. It is known that starting urate lowering therapy can itself precipitate a gout attack and concern for not worsening the acute symptoms has been the reason some guidelines recommend waiting until after the acute episode has subsided to start urate lowering therapy. A look at recent data indicates waiting for the acute attack to subside may not be necessary Learning Objectives: Understand the principles of urate lowering therapy for preventing gout attacks Be familiar with the risks and benefits or starting urate lowering therapy during an acute gout attack