Gout Patient Handouts – Kenneth Tan Medical Clinic

Your gout flare action plan

A flare is a sudden hot, swollen, very painful joint — often the big toe. Acting early makes it settle faster.

Name:

Date:

My flare medicine (agreed with my doctor):

1st choice: — how to take:

If that can't be used:

At the first sign of a flare:

Start your flare medicine as early as possible — the sooner, the better.
Rest and raise the joint. An ice pack for 15–20 minutes can help.
Keep taking your daily uric-acid medicine (e.g. allopurinol/febuxostat). Do not stop it during a flare.
Drink water. Avoid alcohol and rich/organ-meat foods while it settles.

Contact the clinic if:

No better after 2–3 days
Several joints affected
You can't take your usual medicines

Seek urgent care if:

High fever with a very hot, swollen joint (possible joint infection)
Skin rash, mouth/eye sores, or facial swelling (possible allopurinol reaction — stop it and seek care)

Good to know: a flare in the first few months after starting allopurinol is common — it's a sign the treatment is working. Keep going and don't stop the medicine.

Kenneth Tan Medical Clinic · Joo Chiat & Punggol · ktmc.sg — clinic contact:

My uric acid tracker

Lower uric acid means fewer flares and no joint damage. We treat to a number, not just to how you feel — so your level matters even when you feel fine.

Name:

My target: mmol/L

My daily medicine:

Most people aim for below 0.36 mmol/L — or below 0.30 if you have lumps (tophi). Bring this card to each visit.

Date	Uric acid (mmol/L)	Medicine & dose	At target?

Keep taking your medicine every day, even when you feel well and even between flares — this is a long-term, usually lifelong treatment. Stopping is the commonest reason gout comes back.

Kenneth Tan Medical Clinic · Joo Chiat & Punggol · ktmc.sg

Gout — Patient Handouts

Your gout flare action plan

My uric acid tracker

Gout-friendly eating — Singapore guide