Weisman A, Tomlinson GA, Lipscombe LL, et al. - Allopurinol non-persistence and interruptions were common in people with diabetes and gout, and they were linked to prednisone prescriptions. Suboptimal allopurinol adherence may raise not just the risk of gout problems in this population, but also the risk of diabetic complications due to increased prednisone use and its unfavorable impact on glycemic control.

• Twenty-two thousand fifty-six people were followed for a maximum of 3.0 years (17,410 with 3 years of follow-up).

• Allopurinol was ineffective in 9,092 (41.2%) of the patients.

• Female sex, dementia, and an outpatient visit for gout in the previous year were all related with a higher chance of non-persistence.

• Findings revealed that there were 12,964 (58.8%) allopurinol adherers, 4,618 interrupters (20.9%), and 4,474 (20.3%) discontinuers.

• Allopurinol interrupters and discontinuers experienced more severe gout over time than adherers, including a higher likelihood of being administered prednisone.