Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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Gout »

What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?

Gout is a disease that results from an overload of uric acid in the body. This overload of uric acid leads to the formation of tiny crystals of urate that deposit in tissues of the body, especially the joints. When crystals form in the joints, it causes recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Gout is considered a chronic and progressive disease. Chronic gout can also lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in the tissues, particularly in and around the joints and may cause joint destruction, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis).

Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. It is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body's ability to process uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid can cause attacks of p...

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Colcrys Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking colchicine (Colcrys)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to colchicine. Do not take colchicine if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking any of the medications listed below under "What other drugs can affect colchicine."

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take colchicine:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease;
a stomach ulcer or severe gastrointestinal disorder;
ulcerative colitis;
Crohn's disease; or
intestinal bleeding or other disorder.

It is not known whether colchicine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether colchicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take colchicine (Colcrys)?

If your doctor has prescribed the Colcrys brand of colchicine, do not use any other type or brand of the medication. Colcrys is the only brand of colchicine that has been approved by the FDA. If you use a generic brand of colchicine, you may be using an unapproved dose of this medication, which could be dangerous. Do not purchase colchicine on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Using this medication improperly or without the advice of a doctor can result in serious side effects or death.

Take colchicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Colchicine can be taken with or without food.

Your dose will depend on the reason you are taking this medication. Colchicine doses for gout and Mediterranean fever are different.

To treat a gout attack, for best results take colchicine at the first sign of the attack. The longer you wait to start taking the medication, the less effective it may be.

You may need to take a second lower dose of colchicine 1 hour after the first dose if you still have gout pain. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you use this medication over a long period of time, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store colchicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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