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Allopurinol initiation counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsAllopurinol initiation counsellingGPhC CRA

A 56-year-old man starts allopurinol 100mg daily after recurrent gout. He asks why the GP also prescribed colchicine for the first few months. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: A — Colchicine can reduce gout flares when urate-lowering therapy is started

Starting urate-lowering therapy can precipitate gout flares as urate stores shift. Low-dose colchicine or another prophylactic option may be used during initiation if suitable. Allopurinol is titrated to serum urate response and renal function. The patient should continue allopurinol during future flares unless advised otherwise.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS