HBZ,
I'm a little late to the party, but I just saw your post.
This is a maintenance drug that I have taken for years.
Find patient medical information for allopurinol oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings.
www.webmd.com
In my case, it is used to help prevent uric acid kidney stones, but it is used for gout as well.
My late father suffered from gout and was prescribed the same drug.
Might be worth asking your Dr. about.
I have never had any side effects that I am aware of from taking this drug.
Hope you find a solution for your gout trouble.
That shit ain't no fun.
Cheers,
WillieP