Colchicine is a medication primarily used to treat and prevent gout attacks by reducing inflammation. Gout typically presents with sudden symptoms affecting one or a few joints, most commonly the big toe, knee, or ankle. It is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of hard crystals in the joints. Colchicine helps by reducing swelling and preventing the buildup of these uric acid crystals, easing the pain in the affected joints.
- Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication that is commonly used to treat acute gout flare ups and can be used to prevent gout flare ups
- Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small, making careful dosing essential
- Colchicine is also used off-label to prevent recurrent pericarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining around the heart
- Grapefruit juice can increase colchicine levels in the blood by inhibiting its metabolism, leading to toxicity
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Colchicine Side Effects
Colchicine side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, rash, numbness or tingling, fatigue, neuropathy, shortness of breath, dark urine, cramps, stomach pain.
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only a healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. TelyRx does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education materials and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you may receive from your healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please review the entire patient education information you receive with the medication.