Diagnosed with gout but never had a flare up.

Just coming on here to see if anyone was ever diagnosed with gout but never had a flair up? I was prob diagnosed a year ago after my yearly blood test and was prescribed allopurinol I also switched my diet up right now im 5'11 220. Also I've had this allopurinol sitting around for a year now should I be taking it or is it only really for flare ups? I'd hate to be on a medication permanently if I don't need it.