Colchicine
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Colchicine relieves swelling and pain caused by attacks of gout or
gouty arthritis. It also may 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 should Colchicine 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.
What special precautions should I follow?
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 side effects can Colchicine cause?
Although side effects from colchicine are not common, they can occur.
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
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