Hi all, new here, diagnosed yesterday and just browsing the forum when I came across this post.
If you are taking Allopurinol for gout then READ my experience with this medication.
I was diagnosed with gout approx. 10 years ago after having had several attacks and eventually getting a blood test which confirmed it. Initially I didn't take any preventative medication but after two more attacks I was prescribed allopurinol. Fantastic, no more attacks
I was on an initial dose of 50mg which I took religiously for approx. 7 years. For some unknown reason as I hadn't had an attack my GP decided to up my dosage to 100mg approx. 2 years ago.
Approximately six months ago I got the most horrendous rash , starting on my arms but then spreading all over my body apart from my head, hands and feet. It was the most painful and itchy experience of my life. I didnt sleep for 48 hrs, and all my mental capacity was devoted into trying to stop myself itching. I tried all sorts to try and stop the itch - E45 burnt my skin to such an extent that I had to shower it off within 5 minutes of applying it. I went to the GP who immediately sent me to hospital. The hospital had no clue what was wrong with me and just said it was an allergic reaction. My wife, via google, was the initial person to spot what was wrong with me. To cut a long story short I was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson syndrome - basically a severe allergic reaction to medication and the only medication I was on was ALLOPURINOL !
Stevens Johnson syndrome is FATAL in 40% of cases !!! Google it, its horrific and I am still dealing with the consequences.
When I look back over the years I suffered from minor skin rashes, soft nails, dry cough and a few other things. My wife was forever changing the washing powder due to my skin rashes. Stevens Johnson syndrome attacks the mucous membranes of the body hence the dry cough, rashes ( especially around the anus) and as it develops further is spreads to the whole skin as in my case. It is very rarely diagnosed early as the initial symptoms are usually put down to other causes. It is a very serious condition - I have no idea if it is a contributory factor to my newly diagnosed diabetes !
I stopped taking the Allopurinol immediately and my rash gradually faded aided by large doses of steroids and skin cream. I still have it on my lower legs 6 months later.
So for all those advocating taking Allopurinol for gout prevention be aware of the possible side effects and if you are suffering undiagnosed skin complaints/ dry cough /soft nails then speak to your GP about it asap.
I will put up with a very painful gout attack in the future, trust me, it's nowhere near as bad as Stevens Johnson !!!
Humphreydog