1. Always Check With Your Doctor
You may not view over the counter medications as being harmful because they are so easy to obtain. You might overlook the possible side effects listed on the side of the container. This could cause serious problems. Before you take any form of an over the counter medication for your gout consult your doctor to see if it is safe for you to take. Many times mixing one of these medications with one of your current prescription medications could cause complications.
2. I said to watch your NSAIDS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs better known as NSAIDs are often used as a pain reliever. For people that suffer from gout, using this form of pain reliever may be favorable as there is no prescription needed to get it. However, NSAIDs have been known to cause a bevy of side effects. These can range from stomach problems to increasing your blood pressure. Again it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking an NSAID to make sure that it is safe for you to use and also so that you are aware of the possible health risks.
3. Beware of Aspirin
For many people, taking aspirin is their preferred pain reliever. This also rings true for some gout sufferers. However, aspirin has been known to be blood thinner. This is helpful if you are worried about blood clots that may cause heart attacks and strokes, but it is not helpful if you have problems with bleeding or forming blood clots. Aspirin has also been shown to raise uric acid levels, the substance that causes gout. Be sure to take caution before taking aspirin on a regular basis as a pain reliever and check to see what side effects may affect you.
4. Use Ibuprofen or not to use Ibuprofen, That is the Question
Ibuprofen or as you may better know it--Advil or Motrin, is another common over the counter pain reliever that some may use to treat the pain associated with gout. While ibuprofen is used commonly by many it also carries with it many possible side effects. Some of these are headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. Check the label and check with your doctor before taking any of these.
5. Blood and you
Some over the counter medications can cause bleeding problems such as an inability to clot or bleeding ulcers in some individuals. If you have not had a check up for a while then you may want to do so to ensure you do not have high blood pressure or any problems with your blood. Doing so could save you from a possible emergency room visit.
