Why Gout Awareness Matters More Than Ever

Gout is often brushed off as a condition caused only by diet or lifestyle choices, but advocates say that this misconception can prevent patients from getting the care and support they need. On Gout Awareness Day, Olivia Perry, coalition director for the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA), is encouraging patients and policy makers to better understand gout as a serious inflammatory disease that can significantly affect long-term health and quality of life.

In this interview with The Educated Patient, Perry discusses the stigma that still surrounds gout, why untreated disease can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney problems, and how patients can advocate for themselves when facing treatment delays or insurance barriers. She also highlights the importance of education, access to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, and continued awareness efforts to help patients receive timely and effective care.

Gout is often misunderstood or dismissed as simply a lifestyle issue. What do patients and the public most commonly get wrong about this disease?

Olivia Perry: Many people don’t realize that gout is a form of arthritis. In fact, gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, impacting more than 12 million people in the U.S. alone. Although things like diet and lifestyle can play a role, there are a variety of reasons why someone might develop gout, including genetic risk factors. It is important that we continue to push back on the stigma and misinformation that still surround gout.

How can untreated or poorly managed gout affect a patient’s long-term health and quality of life?

OP: When gout goes untreated, patients may experience serious health consequences. Untreated or poorly managed gout means continued build-up of uric acid crystals, which leads to more frequent or severe gout flares and joint damage. In addition, leaving gout untreated can lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chronic kidney disease.

What should patients know about advocating for themselves if they experience treatment delays, denials or access challenges?

OP: The most important thing that patients must remember is not to give up. A denial does not mean the end of the line. In fact, over 80% of prior authorization appeals succeed. Finding the right provider to support you can also help to ease the process

What progress is being made in improving patient access and treatment options for people living with gout?

OP: Effective, FDA-approved treatments are available, and new treatments are being developed. But unfortunately, just because a treatment exists does not always mean that patients can access it. Advocates continue to push for legislation that ensures timely access to treatments. Ensuring policies are in place that support timely access to treatment is an important part of the process.

For someone newly diagnosed with gout, what are the most important first steps they should take?

OP: Finding the right provider with expertise in treating gout is an important first step for patients who have been recently diagnosed. It is also important to learn about the condition. Patient advocacy organizations are a great source for medically accurate information that can help patients navigate questions.

On Gout Awareness Day, what message does AfPA most want patients, caregivers and policy makers to hear?

OP: We all have a role to play in raising awareness and reducing the stigma around gout. Improving gout awareness and education can empower patients to understand the disease’s impact and seek the treatment they need.