Gout Pal Interactive

I’ve recently been discussing the itchy side effects of allopurinol with a reader. I wonder if it is caused by insufficient fluids or something else. Whatever the reason, it is vital that you get good advice.

I first emailed this gout sufferer about the advice given when allopurinol was first prescribed, as it caused a nasty rash. Since then they have had to return to allopurinol because there was no suitable alternative. It is difficult for me to comment properly on this advice as I have no direct involvement, but I find that hard to believe no other suitable uricosuric is available.

Now the allopurinol side effects seem to be limited to itching. Again, I don’t know if this is due to reduced dosage, or some other reason.

You might ask why I chose to comment on something that I am so far removed from with so little verifiable information. Allopurinol is so important to gout management, yet so often mismanaged, that I’m glad of any opportunity to try and emphasize the correct procedure.

• Before taking allopurinol, it is important to have kidney function tests. Any kidney deficiency can render allopurinol unsuitable.
• You should be advised that allopurinol treatment can cause gout flares at first and discuss your choice of preventative anti-inflammatory treatment, or pain killers as you need them.
• You should be advised to drink plenty of fluids when you take allopurinol, though as a gout patient you should be doing this anyway.
• You should be advised about allopurinol side effects, distinguishing from those that are harmless, and those that should prompt immediate consultation with your doctor.
• You should be asked to return every few weeks for uric acid tests and dosage review.

If you are not getting this advice, check the listing of rheumatologists and consult one as soon as you can.

Don’t forget to discuss your experience of side effects of allopurinol on your gout forum.

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 17th, 2007 at 9:55 am and is filed under Better Gout Treament, Gout Cures.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.