Colchicine

Pronunciation

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of acute gouty arthritis attacks.
• Other uses include stopping the progression of neurological disability caused by multiple sclerosis, and treatment of familial Mediterranean fever, liver cirrhosis, add on treatment of primary amyloidosis, Behçet's disease, pseudogout, skin problems with scleroderma, and various skin disorders.

How does it work?

• Colchicine decreases the deposits of crystals in the joint. This decreases the inflammation and pain.

How is it best taken?

• Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• This medicine can be used on an as needed basis to treat a gout attack.
• It is taken on a daily basis to prevent a gout attack.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain and cramps.

What should I monitor?

• If you are on this medicine for a long time, check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever or sore throat.
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling of hands or feet.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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