allipurinol can and most likely will cause a flare up when first starting out. the med starts to break down the uric acid in the body and it will migrate to the joints. after awhile the acid will lessen, and if taken as prescribed, will /should stop the attacks. allapurinol can be murder on the body in several ways, although many take it for years with out any side affects. i myself wont take it. when i start to get an attack, 1 or 2 endomethesyn ( spelling ?) pills will stop mine. and ya your right, i wouldn't wish gout on my worst enemy. lol. dave
