Reducing clinical risks associated with the pharmacological treatment of acute gout attacks

Pharmacological treatment of acute gout attacks includes colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids. The choice of treatment depends on comorbidities and drug–drug interactions, requiring careful patient screening. As the use of these medications is associated with increased clinical risks, they should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time alongside ongoing urate-lowering therapy to prevent gout attacks and to minimise their use. This article discusses the major clinical risks associated with colchicine, NSAIDs and glucocorticoids and risk minimisation strategies for their safe and effective use in this patient population. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.