Colchicine is used to treat or prevent attacks of gout (high uric acid level in the blood).
This medicine may also be used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (an inherited disorder that causes painful inflammation of the abdomen, chest, and joints with recurrent fevers).
Colchicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Colchicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
If you are taking Colchicine to treat attacks of gout, take it at the first sign of an attack. The effect of this medicine is improved when taken as close as possible at the first sign of a sudden gout attack.
If you are taking Colchicine to prevent attacks of gout or to treat familial Mediterranean fever, try to take it at the same time each day.
Colchicine is available as a tablet, capsule or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral solution, shake the bottle well before taking it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition, and your tolerability to this medicine.
Do not take Colchicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood disorders
- severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis (when used for gout attacks)
- severe liver disease (when used for gout attacks)
as Colchicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Colchicine with medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders, certain antibiotics, medicines for fungal infection, and certain medicines for high blood pressure if you have kidney or liver disease. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- stomach or bowel problems
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Colchicine to a child or the elderly. They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, complete blood count, blood uric acid levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Colchicine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, and sore throat.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or numbness
- shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Colchicine with the following medicines (especially if you have kidney or liver disease):
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g, verapamil, diltiazem
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- certain vitamins e.g. cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- strong painkillers
- medicines for anxiety
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- tolbutamide (medicine for diabetes)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Colchicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
In order to prevent future gout attacks, it is important to be mindful of your diet.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
Avoid foods high in purine, such as organ meat, seafood and oily fish. Other foods with purine content, such as meat, poultry, fish, may be eaten in moderation.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in highly processed foods and refined sugar (sugar that is commonly found in processed foods including soft drinks, candies, canned fruits).
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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