Drug Detail:Colchicine (Colchicine [ kol-chi-seen ])
Generic Name: Colchicine Tablets [ KOL-chi-seen ]
Drug Class: Antigout agents
Uses of Colchicine Tablets:
- It is used to treat gout attacks.
- It is used to prevent gout attacks.
- It is used to treat familial Mediterranean fever.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Colchicine Tablets?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (colchicine tablets); any part of this medicine (colchicine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (colchicine tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (colchicine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Colchicine Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (colchicine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine interacts with many other drugs. The chance of side effects may be raised. This may include severe, life-threatening, or deadly side effects. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (colchicine tablets) with all of your other drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins).
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Deadly overdoses have happened with this medicine (colchicine tablets) in adults and children. Keep away from children. Do not take more than you were told. If this drug is taken by accident, call your poison control center or get medical care right away.
- Some males have had sperm problems while taking this medicine (colchicine tablets). This may affect being able to father a child. This may go back to normal after the drug is stopped. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (colchicine tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Colchicine Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (colchicine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- To treat a gout attack, this medicine (colchicine tablets) is taken on an as needed basis.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Pale skin.
- Very bad muscle problems have happened with this medicine (colchicine tablets). This can also lead to kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you have muscle pain or weakness, especially if you feel very tired or weak or have a fever. Tell your doctor if you are not able to pass urine or you have a change in how much urine is passed.
- Low blood cell counts have happened with this medicine (colchicine tablets). If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or if you feel very tired or weak.
What are some other side effects of Colchicine Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Stomach pain or diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Colchicine Tablets?
- Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (colchicine tablets) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (colchicine tablets), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Colchicine be used to treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?