Dodgy Allopurinol

[Peter Cameron]

Dear Sir. You have been a tremendous help to me in the past and I’m seeking your advice again. I am a gout sufferer who lives and works in Vietnam. Over here I am able to buy allopurinol 300mg over the counter and not on prescription. However, the downside is that in the past I have bought some fake tablets which caused a great deal of discomfort until I finally established what was causing my stomach pains. I now again think that I’ve bought another dodgy batch as my bad stomach and weight loss seems to coincide exactly with when I bought the said tablets nearly 4 weeks ago. I’d like to stop for a few days to check if it is them that is causing the problem, as the evidence now seems to be pointing that way. I’ve been to the Doctors and had blood tests done and given samples and all is OK on that front. The Doctor said it would be OK to stop the allopurinol for a while and restart later. Is this your view? I don’t want to have to stop taking allopurinol as its kept the gout away for the best part of six years now. Once gain many thanks in advance. I value your advice enormously.

[Keith Taylor]

The only reason for taking allopurinol is to lower uric acid to safe levels.

I do not know what your uric acid level is now, or how it has changed.

Please can you login Peter, and add your uric acid test results history to your profile. The format is entirely up to you, but I find it easiest to follow if you type something like:
Feb 1st 2015 UA 5mg/dl other bloods OK
Nov 27th 2014 UA 6mg/dL other bloods OK
Aug 15th 2014 UA 6.5mg/dL kidney functions now all OK
Jul 15th 2014 UA 6.3mg/dL kidney function slightly high, retest next month
etc

Test results might not be in mg/dL, but please use your own local values. I.e. do not convert, just write whatever it says on the results.

It is also good to use your Profile to record dates and dosages of all medications, and any other significant events.

Armed with the right information, I can say if your doctors advice is sensible, or if you have to ask more questions.

[Peter Cameron]

Thanks Keith

Unfortunately I have been remiss in keeping that information up to date as I’ve experienced so few problems i.e. never had a full blown attack since It started on the allopurinol. I guess that I need to start keeping these records up to date. I haven’t taken any of the suspect Allopurinol today and I’m feeling much better and my stomach has calmed down completely – maybe I’ll restart tomorrow with a different, more expensive brand that I’ve bought. Thanks very much for the reply though.

[Keith Taylor]

Peter, it’s very important to track uric acid levels. once you are stable, an annual test is sufficient.

If you have maintained uric acid at, or below, 5mg/dL for a year, and not had any gout attacks, then it is OK to take a break from allopurinol. However, you should get tested every 3 months or so, and restart allopurinol if levels rise above 6.5mg/dL.

Never forget that your Personal Gout Profile is there to help you. All you need to do is login, and make a note whenever anything significant occurs with your gout. It’s something you can refer to in future, and it can be very useful if you experience any more problems.

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