Colchicine

About Colchicine

Colchicine is used to treat swelling and pain in your joints caused by gout. Colchicine is used when you have a gout attack or prevent an attack when starting other gout treatments (allopurinol).

Useful information

Excess uric acid forms crystals in your joints to cause gout and kidney stones. High uric acid levels are also associated with some types of cancer.

How does Colchicine work?

Colchicine interrupts the body’s response to uric acid crystals in the joints.

High uric acid levels may be due to

• Reduced removal of uric acid from the body.

  This is due to kidney impairment and certain medications.

• Increased production of uric acid by the body.

  In diseases such as cancer, a lot of cells are broken down and excess purines are produced.

• Excess purine intake.

  Purines are found in alcohol, fatty fish, organ meat, and high-sugar (fructose) drinks like soda.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bloody stools

• Abdominal pain

Useful information

You may experience less tummy symptoms when you take colchicine with or after meals.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking colchicine.

• It is advisable not to take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on colchicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice increases the side-effects of colchicine. You should also wait a day after you stop taking colchicine to take grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

• Note that alcohol and high-sugar (fructose) drinks can increase uric acid levels.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

You are unlikely to feel impaired when taking colchicine. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy while taking any medication.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Colchicine isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

• Colchicine may cause low sperm count in some men. This however stop when you stop taking colchicine.
• Colchicine does not affect the effectiveness of contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• You should not take colchicine when pregnant.

  Colchicine has been shown be toxic to your unborn babies in research.

• Colchicine can be found in breast milk. Don’t take colchicine without a doctor’s prescription. Observe your baby and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice poor feeding, vomiting or you have any concerns.