When starting ULT for gout, it's recommended to use an additional medication for the first 3-6 months to prevent what?

When starting ULT (uric acid lowering therapy) for gout, it's recommended to use an additional medication for the first 3-6 months to prevent a high rate of gout attacks. This is because ULT can sometimes cause a temporary increase in gout attacks due to the sudden decrease in uric acid levels. This additional medication helps to prevent this flare-up while the body adjusts to the new level of uric acid. It is not recommended to use an additional medication for hypertension or allergic reactions, as these are not side effects of ULT. Infections may be a concern for those with suppressed immune systems, but it is not a common side effect of ULT.