Arthrexin for Gout: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment

If you suffer from gout, your doctor may have suggested Arthrexin to you. Taking new medication can have its challenges so it’s important you understand what the medication’s benefits and risks are before you start taking it. Read our comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. Remember, if you have any questions and would like to discuss your circumstances further, contact Medmate and arrange an appointment with one of our online doctors.  

What is Arthrexin?

Arthrexin is a prescription medication that is prescribed by doctors to treat a range of conditions associated with inflammation. Such conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis and lower back pain.  Very commonly Arthrexin is prescribed to treat gout. This is because it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, relieving patients of pain, stiffness and discomfort associated with swelling. 

 Composition and Formulation

The active ingredient in Arthrexin is indometacin, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug that works to reduce the pain and swelling associated with gout. 

How it Works

Arthrexin works by blocking an enzyme in your body that leads to inflammation.

Arthrexin for Gout Treatment

Benefits

Taking Arthrexin for gout has been found to be effective. While Arthrexin cannot cure gout, it can help to effectively manage the symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness.  

Dosage Instructions

The dose of Arthrexin prescribed to you will depend on the condition you are treating. It’s common to spread out doses so that you wind up taking a capsule two or three times a day. Capsules should be taken whole with a full glass of water or milk. Arthrexin should be taken with food or immediately after food to reduce the likelihood of experiencing stomach irritation. 

Potential Side Effects

All medications carry the risk of adverse reactions in some people. Sometimes these can be serious, but most of the time they aren’t. To weigh up the benefits of taking Arthrexin against the potential side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your particular circumstances. It’s worth noting that people over the age of 65, diabetics, and those with liver or kidney problems have an increased chance of developing side effects from this medication. Some of the more common side effects include:

• upset stomach, pain including nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, cramps, loss of appetite
• heartburn or indigestion
• constipation, diarrhoea
• changes to hearing such as buzzing or ringing in the ears
• headache, dizziness, light-headedness
• tiredness
• Mood change such as depression, anxiety or irritability

Side effects related to the stomach may be reduced by taking the capsules with food or by taking an antacid. Speak with our doctors or pharmacists to check if this is okay and to discuss any other concerns you may have. 

While rare, some very serious side effects may require urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Alternatives to Arthrexin

Medications for gout fall into two broad categories: those prescribed to alleviate acute gout attacks and those to prevent the recurrence of gout. The following categories of medications are used to treat acute bouts of gout.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – of which Arthrexin is one
• Colchicine
• Corticosteroids.

To prevent recurring future bouts of gout, the following medications are used:

• Allopurinol
• Probenecid.

Some people also turn to natural remedies for gout relief, such as Devil’s Claw, Pennyroyal, and Slippery Elm, though there is no scientific evidence that these treatments are as effective in the treatment of gout as prescribed medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Arthrexin Good for Gout?

Arthrexin and its active ingredient, Indometacin, belong to a group of medications called NSAIDs, which have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical trials have shown that Indometacin is effective in relieving pain and reducing fever, swelling, redness and tenderness of acute gouty arthritis. 

What is Arthrexin Used to Treat?

Arthrexin has a broad application and is used to treat a number of medical conditions. Because of its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, it is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:

• arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative joint disease of the hip
• muscle and bone injuries such as strains, sprains, lower back pain, and tendonitis
• pain and swelling after the setting of broken or dislocated bones
• menstrual cramps 

How Many Times a Day Can I Take Arthrexin?

The dose of Arthrexin prescribed to you will depend on the condition it is being used to treat and how you are responding to the medication. The usual adult dose varies between 25mg and 50mg and is taken two or three times a day. The daily dose taken should not exceed 200mg. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication and will adjust your dosage as required. Elderly patients may need smaller doses.   

Can I Take Arthrexin Everyday?

You should continue to take Arthrexin as it has been prescribed to you by your doctor. If you feel unwell while taking Arthrexin or you experience an adverse reaction, speak with your doctor to see if adjustments need to be made to your dose or if there is a more suitable alternative.

For some conditions (such as menstrual cramps and sprains and strains), you may only need to take Arthrexin for a few days, but for other conditions, such as gout, longer term use of Arthrexin may be required until your symptoms subside. You may need to take Arthrexin every day to treat arthritis. Continue to take the medication until your doctor tells you otherwise.

It’s important to monitor your health while taking Arthrexin and to schedule regular doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be tracked and your general health looked after. You may need to stop taking Arthrexin if:

•  you become pregnant
•  you’re due to have surgery
•  you develop an infection.

Explore Arthrexin For Gout Relief. Consult Medmate For Personalized Treatment Options

To explore the option of taking Arthrexin for gout relief, consult with Medmate. We’ll arrange a hassle-free personalised treatment option for you so that you can get your symptoms under control and can get back to enjoying your life.