Colchicine Overview & Usage

Generic Name: colchicine
Brand Name: Colchicine

side effects drug center colchicine (colchicine) drug - consumer uses and warnings

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Colchicine Overview & Usage

Important: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. It is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Colchicine - Oral

(KOL-chi-seen)

Common Brand Name(s): Colcrys

Uses: This medication is used to prevent or treat gout attacks (flares). Gout symptoms usually develop suddenly and involve one or a few joints, most often the big toe, knee, or ankle joints. Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, which may form hard crystals in the joints when levels are too high. Colchicine works by reducing swelling and the buildup of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint(s).

This medication is also used to prevent attacks of pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints caused by a certain inherited disease (familial Mediterranean fever). It is thought to work by decreasing the body’s production of a protein (amyloid A) that accumulates in people with familial Mediterranean fever.

Colchicine is not a pain medication and should not be used to relieve pain from other causes.

Other Uses: This section lists uses of this drug not included in the approved professional labeling but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition listed in this section only if prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, a condition called pericarditis.

How to Use: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting colchicine and with each refill. If you have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, exactly as directed by your doctor. Dosing recommendations vary widely and may differ from the following guidelines. Taking more than the recommended dose may not increase effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

For gout attacks, follow your doctor’s directions carefully. This medication works best when taken at the first sign of an attack. The recommended dose is 1.2 mg at the first sign of an attack, followed by 0.6 mg one hour later. The maximum recommended dose is 1.8 mg over a 1-hour period. Ask your doctor in advance about when you can repeat treatment if another gout attack occurs.

For preventing gout attacks or pericarditis, consult your doctor about the dose and schedule. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.

For preventing pain attacks caused by familial Mediterranean fever, the usual dose is 1.2 to 2.4 mg daily, taken once daily or divided into two doses. Your doctor may adjust the dose to control symptoms or if side effects occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, other drugs or foods you may be taking, and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of serious side effects, do not increase the dose, take it more frequently, or use it longer than directed. Serious side effects may occur even at prescribed doses.

If taking colchicine regularly, use it consistently at the same time(s) each day to maximize benefits.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs otherwise, as grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

If treating symptoms due to familial Mediterranean fever, inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Colchicine Side Effects & Precautions

Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain, and vomiting may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.

Stop taking this medication and seek medical help immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding/bruising, severe diarrhea or vomiting, muscle weakness or pain, numbness/tingling in fingers or toes, pale or gray color of the lips/tongue/palms, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness/tiredness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or changes in urine output.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US: Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada: Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the Colchicine (colchicine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects.

Precautions: Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult your pharmacist for details.

Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, especially kidney problems or liver problems (such as cirrhosis).

Alcohol can decrease this drug’s effectiveness. Limit alcohol while taking this drug.

This medication can affect the absorption of some foods and nutrients (such as vitamin B12). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially muscle weakness/pain and numbness/tingling in fingers or toes.

Colchicine can decrease sperm production, which may affect male fertility. Consult your doctor for more information.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. While no harm to nursing infants has been reported, consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend separating medication times from breastfeeding.

Colchicine Drug Interactions, Overdose, Notes, Missed Dose, & Storage

Drug Interactions: See also How to Use and Precautions sections.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products simultaneously, increasing the risk of serious side effects or reducing effectiveness. These interactions are possible but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by adjusting how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To ensure the best care, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of colchicine from your body, which may alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of serious side effects. Examples include certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), cyclosporine, HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), telithromycin, and verapamil, among others.

Colchicine may rarely cause serious (even fatal) muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). This muscle damage releases substances that can lead to serious kidney problems. The risk may be increased if other drugs that may cause rhabdomyolysis are taken with colchicine, such as atorvastatin, digoxin, gemfibrozil, pravastatin, or simvastatin, among others.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, potentially causing false results. Ensure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This is not a complete list of possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce the risk of serious medication problems.

Overdose: If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or weakness.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Being overweight, drinking excessive alcohol, or eating certain foods may worsen gout symptoms. Limit alcohol and consult your doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian about avoiding foods high in purines that may worsen gout (e.g., anchovies, bacon, beer, sardines, organ meats such as liver or kidneys).

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood tests, kidney function, liver function) may be performed periodically to monitor progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for details.

Missed Dose: If you are taking colchicine regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.