If your doctor mentioned allopurinol, you’re probably treating gout or high uric acid. In Australia allopurinol is a prescription drug used to lower uric acid long-term. It won’t stop a pain attack right away, but it helps prevent future flares and joint damage when taken correctly.
Allopurinol is commonly prescribed by GPs and specialists. Many people in Australia get it on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) which makes it cheaper if you meet the criteria. Ask your GP if your prescription qualifies for PBS subsidised pricing.
Doctors usually start with a low dose—often 100 mg daily—and increase slowly every few weeks until uric acid targets are met. Typical maintenance doses range from 100 mg to 300 mg, but some people need higher doses under medical supervision. If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor will adjust the dose and monitor you more closely.
Important: starting allopurinol can trigger a gout flare in the first weeks. Many clinicians prescribe a short course of colchicine or an NSAID as prevention during the first 3 months.
Before you start, expect basic blood tests: kidney function, liver tests, and baseline uric acid. After treatment begins you’ll have follow-up blood tests to check response and safety. Common mild side effects include nausea or skin rash. A severe allergic reaction (allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome) is rare but serious. Stop the drug and see a doctor immediately if you get a widespread rash, fever, or sore throat.
Allopurinol interacts with drugs like azathioprine and mercaptopurine — these can become toxic unless doses are adjusted. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Some ethnic groups (East Asian ancestry) have higher risk of severe skin reactions linked to HLA-B*5801. If you have Korean, Han Chinese or Thai ancestry, ask your doctor about genetic testing before starting.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: allopurinol is usually avoided unless your doctor judges it necessary. Talk about risks and alternatives with your clinician.
Buying online? Only use TGA-registered Australian pharmacies and never order prescription-only medicine without a valid script. Watch out for cheap overseas sites that don’t require prescriptions — they can be risky or sell fake meds.
Alternatives include febuxostat, which is available in Australia under certain conditions. If allopurinol isn’t right for you, discuss options with your doctor.
Practical tips: keep a list of your medicines, follow up with blood tests as advised, report any rash straight away, and don’t stop allopurinol suddenly. With the right dose and monitoring, most people do very well on allopurinol and see fewer gout attacks over time.
