Allopurinol may be discontinued after five years of treatment as long as certain conditions are met. These are: (1) allopurinol is given for at least 5 years after resolution of tophi OR for 5 years in those without tophi, (2) serum uric acid levels are maintained at less than 6mg/dL during allopurinol treatment and (3) serum uric acid levels are maintained at less than 7mg/dL after withdrawal of allopurinol.
Fernando Perez-Ruiz, MD, PhD, from Hospital Universitario Cruces in Vizcaya, Spain, and colleagues tested the hypothesis that a less stringent target is necessary for long-term treatment of gout once urate crystal dissolution is achieved.
