allopurinol

Is allopurinol dangerous?  I hear it has scary contraindications.  

[DrSylvesterMD]

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It reduces the production of uric acid in your body. Uric acid buildup can lead to gout or kidney stones.
Allopurinol is used to treat gout. It is also used to treat patients with kidney stones and to decrease levels of uric acid in people who are receiving cancer treatment.
Allopurinol may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Side effects of Allopurinol are:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Allopurinol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• pain or bleeding when you urinate;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• Seizure (convulsions).
Take allopurinol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take allopurinol in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from allopurinol. Take each dose with a full glass of water. To reduce your risk of kidney stones forming, drink 8 to 10 full glasses of fluid every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Allopurinol can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Store allopurinol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.