Prophylaxis Increases Risk of Adverse Events in Patients Initiating Allopurinol for Gout
The incidence of adverse events were more common in patients with gout initiating allopurinol in conjunction with flare prophylaxis, according to a study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.1 However, serious events were uncommon, offering reassurance for clinicians and patients during the shared decision-making process.
“The long-term management of gout involves taking urate-lowering therapy (ULT), most commonly allopurinol, to reduce serum urate levels which, over several months, leads to gradual dissolution of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and cessation of flares,” wrote lead investigator Edward Roddy, PhD, professor of rheumatology, Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist, Keele University, Keele, UK, and colleagues. “Although the aim of ULT is to prevent flares, initiation or increasing the dose of ULT often triggers a gout flare, which can lead to ULT being stopped as patients and practitioners may believe that it has worsened the gout.” … [read more]