Final answer:
To prevent recurrent gout episodes, colchicine (Colcrys) may be used alongside allopurinol for 6 months as it inhibits mitosis thereby reducing joint inflammation. Both pharmaceutical and dietary interventions are crucial in managing gout.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with three previous gout attacks is started on allopurinol to reduce the risk of recurrent gout episodes. Alongside allopurinol, to decrease the likelihood of another attack, it may be advisable to initiate therapy with colchicine (Colcrys) for the next 6 months. Colchicine works by inhibiting mitosis, which reduces inflammation in the affected joints.
While colchicine is beneficial for managing gout by preventing the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, it may lead to undesirable side effects, such as low white blood cell counts. Gout is caused by excessive levels of uric acid, which can result from the overproduction of uric acid or the inability of the kidneys to excrete it properly.
To lower uric acid production, medications like allopurinol work as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as avoiding foods high in purines like red meat, seafood, and alcoholic beverages, can also help manage gout.
Therefore answer is A) Colchicine (Colcrys).