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

Because colchicine was developed prior to federal regulations requiring FDA review of all marketed drug products, the uses for colchicine have not been approved by the FDA. Newer drugs have been developed and FDA-approved to treat the conditions that colchicine is used to treat. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to colchicine, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a severe gastrointestinal disorder.

Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or intestinal bleeding or other disorder.

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.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling, blood in your urine, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

What is colchicine?

Because colchicine was developed prior to federal regulations requiring FDA review of all marketed drug products, the uses for colchicine have not been approved by the FDA. Newer drugs have been developed and FDA-approved to treat the conditions that colchicine is used to treat.

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

Colchicine is used to treat or prevent attacks of gout. It is also used 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 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to colchicine, or if you have:

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• a severe gastrointestinal disorder.

Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• ulcerative colitis;

• Crohn's disease; or

• intestinal bleeding or other disorder.

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

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. 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.