What is the Relationship Between Gout and Kidney Disease?

By: | | Topics : About Gout,

gout and kidney disease

People who suffer with gout are more likely to develop kidney disease.1 Similarly, those with kidney disease are more liable to have elevated uric acid levels and suffer with gout.1 But knowing there could be a connection may not be enough—it is important to know how having gout can affect these important organs. Read on to find out more about gout and kidney disease.

 

What do the kidneys do?

Your kidneys are small (each one is only about the size of your fist), but they play a big role in your overall health.2 Every 24 hours or so, your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of fluid and return it to the bloodstream (about two quarts of that fluid leaves the body as urine).2 Your kidneys also2:

  • Help monitor the production of red blood cells
  • Make vitamins that regulate growth
  • Help keep the blood pressure steady
  • Help regulate the amounts of key nutrients in the body, including calcium and potassium

 

How does a high uric acid level affect the kidneys?

Uric acid is a waste product your body makes when it breaks down chemicals called purines.3 Purines are found in your body’s own cells and in certain foods and beverages.3 In some people, the kidneys don’t function as well as they should and do not remove uric acid from the bloodstream as quickly as they are supposed to.3 This leads to a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream and a condition called hyperuricemia.3 In some people with hyperuricemia, crystals can form in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.3

 

What are kidney stones? And why are they a problem?

Kidney stones are solid, pebble-like bits of material that can form in one or both of your kidneys.4 They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pea.4 Most small kidney stones can pass through your urinary tract without causing any problems.4 Larger kidney stones, however, can get stuck and block the flow of urine, causing intense pain and sometimes bleeding.4 If ignored, they can even cause kidney infection and loss of kidney function.4

 

How can I manage my gout and protect my kidneys?

If you have gout, there are many things you can do to manage the disease and protect your kidneys. Start with the following5:

  • Get Routine Blood Tests—Get checked regularly to see if your uric acid level is normal and measure how well your kidneys are working (also known as your glomerular filtration rate, or GFR).
  • Take Your Meds—Are you taking medicine to help manage your uric acid level and prevent gout flares? Even if your uric acid levels improve, do not stop taking your medications without first talking with your doctor.
  • Drink Lots of Water—Consuming at least eight cups of water each day can help flush out your kidneys and reduce the amount of uric acid in your bloodstream.
  • Eat a Gout-Friendly Diet—Avoid high-purine foods such as red meat, shellfish and alcohol. Skip the processed foods and soft drinks, too.
  • Make Healthy Choices—Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. If you smoke, stop.
  • See Your Doctor Regularly—He or she can help you manage any other health issues you have, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And be sure to tell your doctor which medications and supplements you are taking.

 

NOTE: This article was not written by a medical professional and is not intended to substitute for the guidance of a physician. These are not Hikma’s recommendations for gout flare prevention, but rather facts and data collected from various reliable medical sources. For a full list of resources and their attributing links, see below.

WW-01041

References

  1. Gout and Kidney Health. Gout Education Society website. Available at: https://gouteducation.org/health-conditions/gout-and-kidney-health/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
  2. How Your Kidneys Work. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/howkidneyswork. Accessed March 15, 2020.
  3. Uric Acid Test. Medline Plus website. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/uric-acid-test/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
  4. Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/definition-facts#common. Accessed March 15, 2020.
  5. Gout Education Society. (2015). Gout and Kidney Health [Brochure]. Gainesville, FL: Gout Education Society & National Kidney Foundation.

Important Safety Information for Mitigare® (colchicine) 0.6 mg capsules

  • Colchicine 0.6 mg capsules are contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment who are currently prescribed drugs that inhibit both P-gp and CYP3A4. Combining these dual inhibitors with colchicine in patients with renal or hepatic impairment has resulted in life-threatening or fatal colchicine toxicity. Patients with both renal and hepatic impairment should not be given Mitigare®.
  • Fatal overdoses have been reported with colchicine in adults and children. Keep Mitigare® out of the reach of children.
  • Blood dyscrasias such as myelosuppression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia have been reported with colchicine used in therapeutic doses.
  • Monitor for toxicity and if present consider temporary interruption or discontinuation of colchicine.
  • Drug interaction with dual P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors: Co-administration of colchicine with dual P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors has resulted in life-threatening interactions and death.
  • Neuromuscular toxicity and rhabdomyolysis may occur with chronic treatment with colchicine in therapeutic doses, especially in combination with other drugs known to cause this effect. Patients with impaired renal function and elderly patients (including those with normal renal and hepatic function) are at increased risk. Consider temporary interruption or discontinuation of Mitigare®.
  • The most commonly reported adverse reactions with colchicine are gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Indication

Mitigare® is indicated for prophylaxis of gout flares in adults. The safety and effectiveness of Mitigare for acute treatment of gout flares during prophylaxis has not been studied.

Mitigare® is not an analgesic medication and should not be used to treat pain from other causes.

For Full Prescribing Information please CLICK HERE and for Medication Guide CLICK HERE.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Manufactured by: West-Ward Columbus Inc., Columbus, OH 43228

Read More...

Important Safety Information for Mitigare® (colchicine) 0.6 mg capsules

  • Colchicine 0.6 mg capsules are contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment who are currently prescribed drugs that inhibit both P-gp and CYP3A4.