Drug Interaction Report

Hydroxychloroquine may increase the blood levels of colchicine to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of serious side effects that can affect your muscles, blood cells, nervous system, and multiple organs including the liver and kidneys. Before taking colchicine let your doctor know if you are currently using hydroxychloroquine or have used it within the last 14 days. Depending on your condition and the brand of colchicine you take, your doctor may interrupt treatment with colchicine, lower your dose of colchicine, or may decrease the frequency of colchicine doses. Let your doctor know if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and/or numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as these may be early symptoms of colchicine toxicity. You may not be able to take these medications together if you have liver or kidney disease. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase your blood levels of colchicine to dangerous levels. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with colchicine. Let your doctor know if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and/or numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as these may be early symptoms of colchicine toxicity.

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of hydroxychloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances. Hydroxychloroquine should also be taken with food or milk to reduce the incidence of stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.