Colchicine injection

What is this medication?

COLCHICINE (KOL chi seen) is for joint pain and swelling due to attacks of acute gouty arthritis.

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

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

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

•anemia

•blood disorders like leukemia or lymphoma

•heart disease

•immune system problems

•intestinal disease

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•low platelet counts

•stomach problems

•an unusual or allergic reaction to colchicine, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•certain medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•alcohol

•certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin

•certain medicines for coughs and colds

•certain medicines to help you breathe better

•cyclosporine

•digoxin

•epinephrine

•grapefruit or grapefruit juice

•methenamine

•other medicines for fungal infection

•sodium bicarbonate

•some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin

•some medicines for an irregular heartbeat or other heart problems

•some medicines for cancer, like lapatinib and tamoxifen

•some medicines for HIV

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Alcohol can increase the chance of getting stomach problems and gout attacks. Do not drink alcohol.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•fever, chills, or sore throat

•muscle weakness

•numbness or tingling in hands or feet

•pain at site where injected

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

•vomiting

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

•diarrhea

•hair loss

•loss of appetite

•muscle pain or weakness

•stomach pain or nausea

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?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.