Colchicine Tablets (Cardiovascular Disease)

What is this medication?

COLCHICINE (KOL chi seen) lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and a type of heart surgery.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): LODOCO

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

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

• Blood or bone marrow conditions
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to colchicine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

People 65 years and older 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:

• Nefazodone
• Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or telithromycin
• Some antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Some medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Some medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid
• Cyclosporine
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

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 health checks while on this medication.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

This medication may cause infertility. It is usually temporary. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

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
• Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• 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 amount of urine
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

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 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.