Brand Names: Colcrys

Generic Name: colchicine (Pronunciation: KOL chi seen)

• What is colchicine (Colcrys)?
• What are the possible side effects of colchicine (Colcrys)?
• What is the most important information I should know about colchicine (Colcrys)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking colchicine (Colcrys)?
• How should I take colchicine (Colcrys)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Colcrys)?
• What happens if I overdose (Colcrys)?
• What should I avoid while taking colchicine (Colcrys)?
• What other drugs will affect colchicine (Colcrys)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is colchicine (Colcrys)?

Colchicine affects the way the body responds to uric acid crystals, which reduces swelling and pain.

Because colchicine was developed prior to federal regulations requiring FDA review of all marketed drug products, not all uses for colchicine have been approved by the FDA. As of 2009, Colcrys is the only brand of colchicine that has been approved by the FDA.

The Colcrys brand of colchicine is FDA-approved to treat gout in adults, and to treat a genetic condition called Familial Mediterranean Fever in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Generic forms of colchicine have been used to treat or prevent attacks of gout, or to treat symptoms of Behcets syndrome (such as swelling, redness, warmth, and pain).

Colchicine is not a cure for gouty arthritis or Behcets syndrome, and it will not prevent these diseases from progressing. Colchicine should not be used as a routine pain medication for other conditions.

Colchicine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Colchicine 0.5 mg

spherical, yellow

Colchicine 0.6 mg-URL

round, white, imprinted with EP 104

Colchicine 0.6 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 944, DAN

Colchicine 0.6 mg-WES

round, white, imprinted with west-ward 201

What are the possible side effects of colchicine (Colcrys)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• muscle pain or weakness;
• numbness or tingly feeling in your fingers or toes;
• pale or gray appearance of your lips, tongue, or hands;
• severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• easy bruising or bleeding, feeling weak or tired;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• blood in your urine; or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea or vomiting, stomach pain; or
• mild diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Colcrys (colchicine tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about colchicine (Colcrys)?

Because colchicine was developed prior to federal regulations requiring FDA review of all marketed drug products, not all uses for colchicine have been approved by the FDA. As of 2009, Colcrys is the only brand of colchicine that has been approved by the FDA.

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."

Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if yo have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, a stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal bleeding, or any other severe gastrointestinal disorder.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingly feeling in your fingers or toes, severe vomiting or diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, feeling weak or tired, flu symptoms, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all, or a pale or gray appearance of your lips, tongue, or hands.