New medication options for gout

Media Release

8 July 2013

New medication options for gout

Arthritis New Zealand welcomes the new treatment options for gout with two new medications being funded.

PHARMAC has added Febuxostat and Benzbromarone to the list of medications that can be prescribed for gout when other forms of treatment cannot be used.

Gout is the most common form of arthritis in men, and is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of gout in the world, particularly among Māori and Pasifika peoples. It is estimated that 14% of Māori and Pasifika males have gout.

A major factor in the high incidence of gout in Māori and Pasifika people is inherently higher levels of uric acid in the blood due to genetic and environmental factors. Gout has a major impact on overall health, and is a frequent reason for work absences and giving up sport. It is also strongly associated with other chronic conditions, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

Allopurinol will continue to be the mainstay drug for those with gout, but for those who can’t tolerate this drug Arthritis New Zealand welcomes alternatives to control this painful, debilitating condition

Gout is highly responsive to treatment and can be managed by medications alongside changes in diet and lifestyle. Men and their family/whanau have a vital role in this process, taking greater control of their own lives to achieve their maximum health and wellbeing. “The biggest challenge for treatment is getting men to see their GP and then getting an early diagnosis,” says Arthritis New Zealand, Chief Executive, Sandra Kirby.

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