Colchicine Oral (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Colchicine relieves swelling and pain caused by attacks of gout or gouty arthritis. It may also be taken regularly to prevent gout or gouty arthritis attacks.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this medication should be used
Colchicine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take colchicine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking colchicine to relieve gout attack symptoms, start taking it at the first sign of pain. Relief usually begins within 12 hours, and symptoms disappear within 48-72 hours. This medicine will not be fully effective if you do not take it as soon as you feel pain.
Special precautions
Before taking colchicine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to colchicine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially vitamin B12 and other vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had stomach, intestinal, blood disorder, kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking colchicine, call your doctor.
- if you are to have a urine test, tell your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking colchicine because it may affect the test results.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Colchicine may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fever
- severe rash
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- blood in the urine or stool
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to colchicine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.