Hydroxycarbamide and Gout: Quick Facts and Practical Tips

If you’re taking hydroxycarbamide (also called hydroxyurea) for sickle‑cell disease or chronic myeloid leukemia, you might have heard it can trigger gout attacks. That’s because the drug can raise uric acid levels, the same chemical that builds up in joints during a gout flare. Understanding why this happens and how to keep the pain at bay can make a big difference in your daily life.

Why Hydroxycarbamide Can Spark Gout

Hydroxycarbamide works by slowing down the production of certain blood cells. While it’s great for controlling disease, it also speeds up the breakdown of DNA, releasing purines that the body turns into uric acid. When uric acid climbs too high, tiny crystals can settle in the joint lining, causing the classic throbbing pain of gout.

Practical Ways to Manage Gout While on Hydroxycarbamide

Watch Your Uric Acid Levels – Ask your doctor for a baseline uric acid test before you start the medication, then schedule follow‑ups every few months. If the numbers creep up, the doctor may adjust the dose or add a urate‑lowering drug like allopurinol.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water helps flush excess uric acid out of your kidneys. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and skip sugary drinks that can raise uric acid further.

Mind Your Diet – Limit foods high in purines such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels). Swap them for low‑purine choices like dairy, fresh fruits, and veggies.

Control Weight – Extra pounds put extra pressure on joints and can raise uric acid. Even a modest weight loss of 5‑10% often reduces flare‑ups.

Know the Warning Signs – A sudden, intense ache that starts at night, especially in the big toe, is a classic gout cue. If you spot it, rest the joint, apply ice, and reach out to your healthcare provider for a possible short‑term anti‑inflammatory like colchicine.

Medication Timing – Some people find taking hydroxycarbamide with food lessens stomach upset, but it doesn’t affect uric acid spikes. Talk to your pharmacist about the best schedule for you.

Remember, you don’t have to stop hydroxycarbamide if it’s controlling your primary disease. With regular monitoring and lifestyle tweaks, most people keep gout under control while staying on the drug.

If you ever feel unsure about a new pain or a lab result, give your doctor a call. Early tweaks prevent severe attacks and keep you moving forward.