Allopurinol Side Effects

Worried about allopurinol side effects? Allopurinol is a powerful drug, so perhaps it is not surprising that many people worry. Stop worrying and learn how this medication really helps gout, as long as you use it correctly.

I list the standard allopurinol side effects below, but before you look at these, you need to know about one side effect that is rarely explained properly.

This is not a side effect of allopurinol as such, as it applies to all uric acid lowering therapies. When you lower uric acid properly, to a level that gets rid of old uric acid crystals, the melting uric acid crystals can trigger a gout flare. This is a necessary, though sometimes painful consequence of proper treatment.

Don't avoid allopurinol just because it might trigger a painful flare. This is one side effect that you should welcome, as it indicates that you are getting better. This effect will diminish, as long as you continue taking allopurinol daily and get your uric acid level checked frequently.

See below for More Allopurinol Information including more on the most common, but least discussed of allopurinol side effects: pain.

Allopurinol Side Effects

Note that the side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone. Some are common, others rare, some people have no side-effects, or are happy to accept a little discomfort in exchange for the permanent relief from acute gout attacks. As with all treatments, you must decide what is best for you in your particular circumstances and you must discuss side-effects fully with your doctor before you start to take any drug and whenever you experience any adverse effects.

The following list may not be complete - if you experience any other problem that you think may be related to taking the drug, then you must consult your doctor.

Minor side effects that may go away

You only need consult your doctor if these become severe

Indigestion
Drowsiness
Headache
Stomach pain
Unusual hair loss
Diarrhea
Nausea, unless with skin rash - this is serious - see below

Serious side effects

The most serious side effect is known as allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome which effects 1 in 1000 patients. The risk of this increases with age. You must stop taking the drug and consult your doctor if you have any of the following

Aching or painful muscles
Blood in stools
Blood in urine
Breathing troubled or short
Bruising or bleeding without obvious cause
Chest tight or wheezing
Chills
Eyes irritated or red or yellow
Fever
Fingernails loose
Glands swollen or painful
Hands or feet numb, tingling, painful or weak
Hives
Itching
Lethargy (tiredness or weakness without obvious cause)
Lower back or side pain
Mouth or lips sore, ulcerated or showing white spots
Painful or difficult urination
Rapid weight gain
Rash, especially with vomtting or nausea
Red pinpoint skin spots
Skin red, tender, burning or peeling
Skin sores
Skin thickened or scaly
Skin yellow
Sore, bleeding lips
Swelling of face, feet, fingers, lower legs or stomach
Tarry, black stools
Throat sore and feverish
Urine suddenly decreases in amount

More Allopurinol Information

Is Allopurinol (or allopurinal) the Best Gout Treatment?: Allopurinol (often called allopurinal) is hailed as a wonder drug for preventing gout attacks, but is it safe?
Allopurinol Gout Treatment Is The Best - If You Do It Right: Allopurinol gout treatment is the best there is for curing gout. Do not spoil it by doing it wrong. Learn the 5 crucial points for gout treatment success
Allopurinol Medication: Why It Hurts To Get Rid Of Gout: You are sick of gout pain. It gets worse and more frequent and nothing works. Allopurinol medication seems like a waste of time, so you leave it. Trust me, you will wish you kept with it when the real pain starts
Gout Allopurinol Clinical Trials: For gout, allopurinol is the best current treatment. Help make it better by participating in free clinical trials

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