Colchicine Tablets

What is this medication?

COLCHICINE (KOL chi seen) prevents and treats gout attacks. It may also be used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). It works by decreasing inflammation and reducing the buildup of uric acid in your joints.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colcrys

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to colchicine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or posaconazole
• Cyclosporine
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call you care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in the amount of urine
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.