Why is this medication prescribed?

Colcrys, which contains colchicine, is primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of gout flares and for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Colcrys (colchicine) is prescribed primarily for:

• Gout Flare Treatment: It helps reduce pain and inflammation during acute gout attacks.
• Gout Prevention: It may be used to prevent future gout flares in patients with a history of recurrent attacks.
• Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): Colchicine is used to manage symptoms and prevent complications in people with this genetic condition.

How should this medicine be used?

How Colcrys should be used:

• Dosage: Follow your healthcare provider’s prescribed dosage. For acute gout flares, an initial dose is typically followed by smaller doses over several days.
• Administration: Take Colcrys orally, with or without food. Taking it with food may help minimize stomach upset.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help prevent potential kidney issues.
• Avoid Grapefruit: Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can interact with colchicine.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye out for side effects such as nausea or diarrhea and report any severe reactions to your healthcare provider.

Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions tailored to your health needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Besides treating gout and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), Colcrys (colchicine) may be used for:

• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart’s lining.
• Certain other inflammatory conditions: Sometimes used off-label for other inflammatory diseases.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Colcrys:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to colchicine or any other medications.
• Kidney or Liver Disease: Colcrys can affect these organs, so dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, especially those that can affect liver enzymes (e.g., certain antibiotics, statins).
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Side Effects Awareness: Monitor for symptoms like severe abdominal pain, muscle weakness, or unusual bleeding, and report them to your healthcare provider.
• Gout Management: Maintain open communication with your doctor about your gout management plan to avoid flares and complications.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information regarding your specific situation.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent kidney problems.
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk of gout flares and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
• Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet and consider dietary changes that may help reduce gout attacks, such as limiting purine-rich foods (red meat, shellfish).

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose.
• Skip if Close: If it’s near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Colcrys (colchicine) can cause various side effects, including:

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Fatigue: General tiredness or weakness.

Serious Side Effects:

• Bone Marrow Suppression: Can lead to low blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infections, anemia, or bleeding.
• Severe Gastrointestinal Reactions: Intestinal damage or severe diarrhea.
• Muscle Pain or Weakness: May indicate muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis).
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Kidney Problems: Signs include changes in urine output, swelling, or unusual fatigue.
• Liver Issues: Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, or abdominal pain.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any severe side effects or symptoms like:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Signs of an allergic reaction

Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing side effects.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Colcrys:

Storage:

• Store Colcrys at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F).
• Keep it in a tightly closed container away from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Disposal:

• Dispose of unused or expired Colcrys in a take-back program if available.
• If no take-back program exists, mix the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds) in a sealed bag, and throw it in the household trash.
• Do not flush down the toilet unless specifically instructed.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of overdose may include severe gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea), muscle pain, or signs of bone marrow suppression.
• Call emergency services or poison control right away.
• Provide information about the amount taken and the time of ingestion if possible.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Follow up with your healthcare provider for regular monitoring of your condition and any potential side effects.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
• Lifestyle Changes: Consider lifestyle modifications that can help manage gout, such as diet and weight management.
• Emergency Contact: Keep a list of emergency contacts and your healthcare provider’s information readily available.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information related to your treatment with Colcrys.