Colchicine tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

COLCHICINE (KOL chi seen) is used to prevent or treat attacks of acute gout or gouty arthritis. This medicine is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• severe diarrhea

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of muscle injury like dark urine; trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine; unusually weak or tired; muscle pain; back pain

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• mild diarrhea

• nausea

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or posaconazole

• cyclosporine

• grapefruit or grapefruit juice

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to colchicine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your healthcare professional.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call you healthcare professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.