Generic name: colchicine [ KOL-chi-seen ]
Other brand names of colchicine include Colcrys, Gloperba, Mitigare
Drug class: Antigout agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Gloperba?

Gloperba is used in adults to prevent gout flares.

Certain forms of colchicine are also used in adults to treat gout flares or to treat a genetic condition called Familial Mediterranean Fever in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Gloperba should not be used as a routine pain medication for other conditions.

Gloperba may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gloperba side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Gloperba and call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or numbness and tingling in fingers or toes.

Gloperba may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite;

• unusual bleeding, bruising;

• mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet;

• feeling light-headed or short of breath; or

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.

Common side effects of Gloperba may include:

• sore throat;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with Gloperba.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Gloperba if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver or kidney disease and you also use other drugs that may cause dangerous side effects when used with this medicine.

Some drugs should not be used with Gloperba. Your treatment plan may change if you also use certain other medicines for infections, seizures, birth control, high cholesterol, organ transplant rejection, prevention of nausea and vomiting, HIV, high blood pressure or heart problems.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• taken any other medication or medical condition;

• liver or kidney disease.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using Gloperba.

It is not known if Gloperba will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Gloperba?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use Gloperba in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

You may take Gloperba with or without food.

For gout prevention and Familial Mediterranean Fever, Gloperba is given once or twice a day. Your doctor will determine your treatment dose and schedule.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

To treat a gout attack, take Gloperba at the first sign of the attack. You may need to take another dose of colchicine 1 hour after the first dose if you still have gout pain. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.

Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice. Keep using this medicine even if you feel well.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You may need frequent blood tests and your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking Gloperba?

Grapefruit may interact with Gloperba and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Gloperba?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Gloperba, especially:

• cholesterol lowering medicine--atorvastatin, ezetimibe, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate and others;

• heart medication--ranolazine, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, and others;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection including cyclosporine and others;

• antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

• antiviral medicine to treat HIV;

• birth control pills; or

• medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Gloperba. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Can Colchicine be used to treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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