Allopurinol and Swelling: What Users Say

• Wiz...
• October 22, 2013

For Gout "I've had undisguised symptoms for 20 years causing mild discomfort, e.g., uric acid buildup on earlobes. Chronic wrist pain. Two moderate attacks, all annoying, but I never figured it to be gout or realized the horror about to unleash itself on me at a fit 49 years old. I exercise, only about 10 lbs overweight, and eat healthy. I was a heavy beer drinker, though. Last year, my left wrist and thumb swelled to the size of a red grotesque boxing glove. No pain medication could touch it. Imagine bone fracture pain with no relief. I was in chronic pain, depressed, despondent, and close to suicidal. Because I had ignored symptoms for so long, the rheumatologist told me I had 'entrenched' gout and the allopurinol was going to make it worse before it got better."

• kea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Gout "I'd put ZERO, but probably won't show! Two weeks after taking it, I started to itch. PA should have taken me off. Four weeks after starting, my kidneys started to fail. Five weeks after, my face, hands, and feet started to swell and flake. My doctors investigated, and I had a syndrome called DRESS, Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. Allopurinol is one of a handful of meds that causes DRESS. I've also read that it has an 8% mortality rate, which is MUCH too high!"

• tbe...
• November 7, 2016

For Gout "This made my 11th episode with gout in 9 months. Very painful. The Dr. put me on gout meds that begin with the letter C and allopurinol. I keep getting these flares in my feet and ankles with a lot of swelling! So far, so good on the combined treatments for gout along with alternating heat/cold and rest with plenty of water and rest. For anyone who hasn't had gout, you don't want it, as it's the most painful thing I've gone through with!"

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 2, 2025

"Taking allopurinol for over a year. Because of recurring gout flares and my first kidney stone attack. My feet and legs began to swell. Doctor suggested we stop the allopurinol to see if swelling would subside. After 5 days, all swelling was gone. Now, 6 months off allopurinol. Gout flares have returned. Considering next steps."

• No...
• June 19, 2016

For Hyperuricemia Secondary to Chemotherapy "Significant skin rash all over body with severe itching and swelling in ankles and calves."