Colchicine is used to prevent gout attacks in adults, and to relieve the pain of gout attacks when they occur. when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks. Colchicine is not an ordinary pain reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain.
Before taking Colchicine
To make sure you can safely take Colchicine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
diabetes;
allergic to any other medications;
pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
Colchicine side effects:
Hematologic
Colchicine ingestion for a long time can lead to conditions like pancytopenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have rarely included myopathy, seizures, mental status changes, and neuropathy in patients with impaired renal function.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included stomach pain (greater than 0.1% to less than or equal to 1%), nausea (in up to 2.6 percent), vomiting (in up to 3 percent), diarrhea (in up to 2.8 percent).
Renal side effects have included glomerulonephritis or inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidneys and chronic and acute renal failure.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects have included dermatitis, purpura, and urticaria.
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects been reported rarely.
What other information should I know?
Colchicine is very effective as part of a combination package where it is used to inhibit inflammation backed by second and third line attack that relieves inflammation then blocks pain. Be careful if you are being treated for any other health problem, or if you are taking supplements. There are many medicines that can react badly with colchicine, so please double-check with your doctor and pharmacist before combining colchicine with any other treatment. It is also better to avoid this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
