Colchicine

Colchicine is used for:

Treating and preventing pain associated with gouty arthritis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Colchicine is an anti-gout agent. It works by decreasing inflammation.

Do NOT use Colchicine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Colchicine
• you have serious stomach, bowel, kidney, liver, heart, or blood disorders

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Colchicine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Colchicine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a blood disorder or liver, kidney, stomach, bowel, or heart problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Colchicine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fluvastatin because the risk of muscle problems may be increased
• Acidifying agents (eg, ammonium chloride) because they may decrease Colchicine 's effectiveness
• Certain stimulants (eg, epinephrine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Colchicine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Colchicine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Colchicine :

Use Colchicine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Colchicine by mouth with or without food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Colchicine .
• If you miss a dose of Colchicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Colchicine .

Important safety information:

• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Colchicine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Colchicine may cause false-positive results when testing urine for blood or hemoglobin.
• If you are taking Colchicine to treat a painful attack of gouty arthritis and you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop taking Colchicine , even if pain continues, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
• Lab tests may be performed while you use Colchicine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Colchicine has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Colchicine while you are pregnant. Colchicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Colchicine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Colchicine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever; infection; numbness or tingling; severe diarrhea; sore throat; tiredness; unusual bleeding or bruising; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include burning pain in throat, stomach, and skin; diarrhea; muscle weakness; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Store Colchicine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Colchicine out of the reach of children and pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Colchicine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Colchicine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Colchicine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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