What is Colchicine?
Colchicine alters how the body reacts to uric acid crystals. This reduces swelling and pain.Since it was invented before federal regulations that required FDA review of all commercial drugs, not all uses of colchicine have been accepted by the FDA.
Colcrys is a brand of colchicine. Colcrys version of colchicine has been approved by the FDA in order to prevent or treat gout in adults and also in treating a genetic disease known as familial Mediterranean Fever in adults as well as children who are at or above 4 years old.
Mitigare, the Mitigare brand of colchicine, has been FDA-approved for the prevention of flare-ups of gout in adults.Generic forms of colchicine have been utilized to prevent or treat attacks of gout or to treat the symptoms associated with Behcet's syndrome (such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain).
Colchicine isn't a treatment for gouty arthritis or Behcet's syndrome. It is not able to stop these illnesses from advancing. Colchicine shouldn't be used as a regular painkiller to treat other ailments.Colchicine is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Colchicine
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Colchicine can cause severe adverse effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Muscle pain or weakness;
- Sensation of tingling or numbness in your toes and fingers;
- The appearance of your hands is gray or pale. your tongue, lips, or hands;
- Persistent or severe nausea, as well as severe or ongoing vomiting and diarrhea;
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms,
- Simple bleeding, bruising that isn't common, and fatigue.
Colchicine's common adverse side effects could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
- Diarrhea.
There isn't an exhaustive listing of all possible adverse consequences, but other effects may occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
The risk of serious drug interactions is high when certain medications are used alongside colchicine. Be sure to inform your health professionals about all medicines you take now and any other medication that you are able to stop or begin taking.
Before you Take this Drug
Colchicine is not a good option if you have an allergy to it.
Certain medicines may cause unintentional or hazardous side effects when taken in conjunction with colchicine, particularly in the case of kidney or liver disease. Your doctor may have to alter the treatment plan you are on if you are taking any of these medications:
- Cyclosporine;
- Nefazodone;
- Tipranavir;
- Clarithromycin or telithromycin;
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole;
- HIV or AIDS medicine—atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir.
To make sure that colchicine is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you are:
- The liver condition;
- Kidney disease kidney disease
- If you take digoxin or cholesterol-lowering medicines.
It isn't known if colchicine can harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
Colchicine can be passed into breast milk and can cause harm to a nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding your baby.
How to Take Colchicine?
Do not buy colchicine from the Internet or from a vendor who is not located within the United States. Utilizing this medicine improperly or without consulting medical professionals could cause grave side effects or even death.
Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in greater or lesser doses or for longer than prescribed.Colchicine can be consumed with or without meals.For treating gout attacks For the best results, begin taking colchicine at the first symptom of an attack. The longer you delay beginning to take the medication, the more ineffective it could be.You might need to take an additional dose of colchicine one hour after the initial dose if you're still suffering from gout-related discomfort. Follow your doctor's advice.
Your dosage will depend on the reason for which you're taking this medication. Colchicine doses for gout and Mediterranean fever differ.Do not stop taking colchicine until your doctor instructs you to, even if you feel good.Consult your doctor if symptoms don't improve or if they become worse.If you take this medication for a long time, you might require regular medical examinations.Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
You should take the dose you missed as quickly as you can. Avoid your missed dose if it's nearing the time for the next dose.Take no additional medications in order to cover the dose you missed.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A colchicine overdose can cause death.
In the case of an overdose, symptoms could include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, muscle weakness, no or little urination sensation, tingling or numbness, a slow beat, or a slow heart rate. slow or shallow breathing or fainting.
What Should be Avoided?
Grapefruit, as well as the juice of grapefruit, could interfere with colchicine and cause undesirable negative side effects. Beware of using grapefruit juice while taking colchicine.
Interaction with Other Drugs
A variety of drugs are incompatible with colchicine, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken together. This includes prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all interactions are included in this guideline. Inform your doctor of any medications you take, start, or stop using in the course of therapy with colchicine. Make a list of all your medications and give it to any health professional who cares for you.
