Please help!

[wheatie61]

Hey, my name is Lindy —writing on behalf of my boyfriend who has gout and stopped taking his allopurinol for 2 – 3 weeks and had a terrible gout attack/episode which is still lingering.  Here are my questions, and forgive me —I'm very new to gout and wanting to be an informed patient and educated patient.

1.  His doctor told him to completely stop taking Allopurinol during his attack and put him on Celchaine.  He did exactly that for around 1 week until the diareaha started, then he stopped the Celchaine and went back on Allopurinol.  He's having less pain, but still significant.  My question:  was the doctor correct in telling him to GO OFF Allopurinol while he's having an attack? 

2.  Also, another question regarding odorous breath for patients with Gout?  Does a skewed Uric Acid level cause halotosis?

I read many answers to previous questions on the forum and it's answered very many questions, however, I'm still unclear on your take on going on and off Allopurinol when a sufferer is actually in the midst of having an episode/attack?  It would to make more sense to just ADD the Celchaine to the Allopurinol to the regimen, in the midst of an attack, rather than remove it?

Also, the breath/uric acid question would be most appreciated?

Your answer is greatly appreciated —the sooner the better —it would be great to have him back on track again?

Thanks much,

Lindy

Lin

[Keith Taylor (GoutPal Admin)]

Change doctor immediately. This one is a menace, and if he cannot understand the basic prescribing routine for allopurinol, what other aspects of your boyfriend's health are at risk?

This is NOT a trivial issue. Many of us who regularly contribute to this forum have spent a lot of time researching how and why allopurinol works. I do not expect a general practice dotor to understand complex issues regarding every disease and medical condition he encounters, but this is basic. The medical equvalent of kindergarten.

Once started, allopurinol should never be stopped, unless it is causing other health problems (which is extremely rare). This is so fundamental, so covered in the labeling and orescribing guidelines, that only a fool can miss it.

Who wants medical advice from a fool?

I'm prepared to be educated on halitosis and gout. I do not know of any direct link. However obesity and alcohol intake are associated with both conditions, so is that relevant?

[zip2play]

2.  Also, another question regarding odorous breath for patients with Gout?  Does a skewed Uric Acid level cause halotosis?

No, there is no connection.

My experience, contrary to popular belief, is that halitosis is usually caused by a bad tooth.

And of course, I concur with GP…once started DO NOT stop allopurinol. It will only cause more gout attacks down the road if you do.

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