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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Gout. Stopped Taking Medication Due To Side Effects. Started Taking Cherry Extraxcts. Feeling Better. Opinion?

I have been on 300 mg. of Allopurinol for about 1-1/2 years. I had a a gout attack a while back and my doctor put me on this medication. It worked for a while and then a few months later I noticed that I was getting a rash on my body every evening when I took my medication. I also experienced rapid weight gain, pain in my back and kidney area and headaches. Spoke to my doctor about these symptoms and he said to just stay on the medication. I finally stopped and started eating fresh cherries and if they were not available I would take 1000 mg. of cherry extract capsules. I noticed relief immediately when I stopped taking the medication. I am not sure if the discomforts I was experiencing stopped because I stopped the medication or started using cherry extract and eating fresh cherries. Do you think this is a better way to control my gout. Please note that I only had 1 attack and none since. Only discomfort was the ones listed above when I was on the medication. Thanks.
Mon, 24 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
I am surprised that you're doctor didnt mention the other major ways in which gout can be treated.
Yes allopurinol is one of the main drugs administered, but he should have told you how it works. It is essentially used to reduce the uric acid production in your body.
While it is a great way to keep the uric acid levels, there is also the option of controlling your diet. Foods which have been known to help gout patients include-
fruits with high vitamin C levels, or vitamin C supplements,
coffee
and yes cherries.

I recommend you see a dietitian, he can give you more specifics on what to avoid and what to eat.

I hope this answered your question.
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Have Gout. Stopped Taking Medication Due To Side Effects. Started Taking Cherry Extraxcts. Feeling Better. Opinion?

Hi, I am surprised that you re doctor didnt mention the other major ways in which gout can be treated. Yes allopurinol is one of the main drugs administered, but he should have told you how it works. It is essentially used to reduce the uric acid production in your body. While it is a great way to keep the uric acid levels, there is also the option of controlling your diet. Foods which have been known to help gout patients include- fruits with high vitamin C levels, or vitamin C supplements, coffee and yes cherries. I recommend you see a dietitian, he can give you more specifics on what to avoid and what to eat. I hope this answered your question.