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Medicines allopurinolQuestion & answer

allopurinol · Medicine question

Why can gout attacks happen after starting allopurinol?

iatroX medicinesPublished 13 August 2026Reviewed 13 August 2026

The answer

Answer

Changing uric acid levels can temporarily mobilise existing crystals and trigger flares. This does not necessarily mean the medicine is failing.

Sources for this answer

Allopurinol Tablets BP 100mgemc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 3
Allopurinol 100mgemc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 3
NHS

NHS · NHS medicine guidance

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The full medicine guide

allopurinol

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