18. Gout drugs can be effective, but they can also have drawbacks
In a quite recent study of more than 6,000 people with gout, those who took febuxostat were 34 percent more likely to die from heart disease than people who took allopurinol, another common gout drug.
However, allopurinol can cause serious liver issues, while another older gout drug, colchicine, can cause severe diarrhea. “Every drug has side effects, so it’s important to discuss with your doctor which one might be best for you,” advises Dr. Marchetta.
