Colchicine

Colchicine

Colchicine is a medication approved by the FDA to treat gout flares, Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), and other inflammatory conditions. This is a generic medication and also available in the brand name Colcrys. It comes in the form of 0.6 mg oral tablets and capsules, with dosage varying based on the condition being treated. For adults with gout flares, the typical initial dosage is 1.2 mg. It then followed by 0.6 mg an hour later. In FMF, dosages range from 1.2 to 2.4 mg daily for adults. This medication works by reducing swelling and uric acid crystal buildup in joints. It’s essential to use this medication under a doctor’s supervision due to potential side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, and more serious risks, like muscle damage and liver issues.

Product Overview

Colcrys (Colchicine) is primarily used for treating gout flares, a condition characterized by sudden and severe aches in the joints due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. It is also used for managing Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a genetic disorder causing recurrent fevers & inflammation in the abdomen, chest, or joints. Additionally, olcrys 0.6 mg tablet is prescribed for various inflammatory conditions such as pericarditis, biliary cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and vasculitides.

The medication comes in oral tablet and capsule forms, with a standard strength of 0.6 mg. The recommended dosage for gout flares in adults is 1.2 mg at the onset of symptoms, followed by 0.6 mg one hour later. For FMF, the dosage varies based on age, starting from 0.3 mg for children aged 4-5 years to 1.2-2.4 mg for adults. Patients should follow their healthcare giver’s instructions regarding the dosage and scheduling of Colcrys. The medication may need to be adjusted for those with liver or kidney impairments and for senior citizens due to the risk of side effects. You may notice or have some common side effects, including gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, as well as muscle pain and rash.

Colcrys can interact with other medications, including those that inhibit P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 enzymes, leading to an increased risk of toxicity. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all other medications they are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Colcrys is an effective medication for managing gout flares, FMF, and other inflammatory conditions. However, it is essential to use it under the guidance of a healthcare provider and adhere to the prescribed dosage. Be aware of side effects & drug interactions to use the drug and get most of the benefits.

What Are the Uses of Colchicine?

Colchicine is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Gout
• Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Biliary Cirrhosis
• Various Vasculitides
• Pseudogout
• Spondyloarthropathy
• Calcinosis
• Scleroderma
• Amyloidosis
• Atherosclerosis

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Colchicine?

Colcrys (Colchicine) comes in the following forms and strengths: 

Form 1: Oral Tablet

Strengths: 0.6 mg

Form 2: Oral Capsule

Strengths: 0.6 mg

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Colchicine?

Dosage for the Treatment of Gout Flares

• Adult Dosage (Ages 16 to 64 years): For oral tablets (Colcrys), the recommended dosage is 1.2 mg (it is to be taken at the first sign of a gout flare) and then followed by 0.6 mg one hour later.
• Child Dosage (Aged 0 to 15 years): Colchicine tablets have not been studied for gout treatment or prevention in children. It should not be used for these purposes in individuals under 16 years old.
• Senior Dosage (Aged 65 Years & Older): Older adults’ kidneys may not function as well as they used to, leading to slower drug processing in the body. As a result, a drug may stay in the body longer and increase the risk of side effects. Doctors may start seniors on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule to prevent too much of the drug from accumulating in the body.

Dosage for Prevention of Gout Flares

• Adult Dosage (Age 16 to 64 Years): For the oral tablet (Colcrys), the usual dosage is 0.6 mg, taken once or twice a day.
• Child Dosage (Age 0 to 15 Years): Colchicine has not been studied for treating or preventing gout in children. It is not recommended for use in individuals under 16 years of age for these conditions.
• Senior Dosage (Age 65 years or Older): As people age, their kidneys might not work as efficiently. This can slow down how drugs are processed in the body, which further leads to a higher risk of side effects. Doctors may prescribe a lower dose or adjust the dosing schedule for older adults to prevent the drug from accumulating in the body.

Dosage for Familial Mediterranean Fever

• Typical Dosage for Adults (ages 16–64 years): 1.2–2.4 mg, taken once per day.
• Typical Dosage for Children (ages 12–15 years): 1.2–2.4 mg, taken once per day.
• Typical Dosage for Children (ages 6–11 years): 0.9–1.8 mg, taken once per day.
• Typical Dosage for Children (ages 4–5 years): 0.3–1.8 mg, taken once per day.
• Typical Dosage for Children (ages 0–3 years): Colchicine is not recommended for children younger than three years old.
• Senior Dosage (Aged 65 Years or Older): For older adults aged 65 and over, their kidneys may not work as efficiently as before. This slower processing of medications means that drugs can stay in the body longer and further increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, doctors may prescribe a lower dose or a different dosing schedule to prevent the drug from accumulating too much in the body. 

[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Colchicine?

The timing for taking Colchicine oral tablets depends on the reason you are using the medication:

For Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and Gout Prevention:

• You may need to take Colchicine once or twice daily as per your doctor’s instructions.
• If taken once daily, you can choose any time, but try to take it at the same time each day.
• If taken twice daily, space your doses about 12 hours apart and maintain a consistent schedule daily.
• Consistent timing helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body for effective results.
• If you are taking Colcrys 0.6 mg tablet to prevent gout attacks and other uric acid-lowering medications, you may be able to stop taking them. However, if you stop using it too soon, your symptoms may resurface or even worsen. For more information, please consult your doctor. 
• To get the most out of your medication, keep the dosage consistent and continue taking it even if you feel fine. 
• If you are using Colchicine to prevent gout attacks, your doctor may recommend that you take other medications if an attack occurs. 
• If you are using Colchicine to treat certain other health conditions, you may need to take it for the rest of your life, if your doctor determines that this medication is safe for you to use long-term. 

For Treating a Gout Flare:

• You will take two doses of Colchicine. The first dose should be taken as soon as you notice gout flare symptoms, and the second dose one hour later.
• You should discontinue using Colchicine as soon as the symptoms are relieved or if you are experiencing nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain. You should also stop taking this medication if you have taken the largest amount of prescribed medication for each attack, even if you do not feel relief from the pain or none of these side effects occur. 
• During the initial period of receiving treatment with Colchicine, keep a record of each dose you take and how many times symptoms of upset stomach occur. The next time you need to take this medication, stop using it before that number of doses is reached. 
• Your healthcare giver might also recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID like ibuprofen to alleviate pain and swelling.
• After using this medication to treat a gout attack, do not use any more Colchicine tablets for at least 72 hours or three days. 

To ensure you don’t miss a dose, consider using a medication reminder such as setting an alarm, using a timer, or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

• • Follow the instructions: Before using this medication, carefully read & follow the instructions given in the patient information leaflet and medication guide provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you find the instructions on your prescription label challenging to read, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide labels with larger print, braille, or a code that may be scanned with a smartphone to convert text into speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your healthcare provider may guide you to one that does.

• Use exactly as the doctor prescribes: You should take Colchicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, with or without food. Do not take more or less of it, in large quantities, or more frequently than prescribed, as it can increase your risk of experiencing unwanted side effects. 

• • Oral Form of Colchicine: If you are using an oral form of Colchicine, shake the bottle well before use. Measure the dose carefully using a medication measuring device such as special measuring spoons, cups, or syringes. Ask your doctor if you do not have any special medication measuring device. Do not use a household spoon to measure the medication, as it may not hold the right amount of liquid solution. 

• Factors that determine medication dosage: The medication dosage is based on the condition being treated, age, needs, and response to treatment. It can also be influenced by the number of doses taken every day, the gap between each dose, and the duration of the treatment. 

• Handling Medication Bottles: If you struggle to open a bottle of the medication, ask your pharmacist if they can provide Colchicine in a container that’s easier to open. They might also suggest tools to make opening lids simpler.
• Taking Colchicine: You can take Colchicine with or without food. Moreover, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Colchicine, as grapefruit can interfere with the breakdown of the medication in your body, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
• Splitting Tablets: Colchicine oral tablets are scored, meaning they can be split in half. However, the manufacturer hasn’t specified whether the tablet can be crushed or chewed. If you have difficulty swallowing Colchicine tablets, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Colcrys Work?

Colcrys is a medication used to prevent or treat gout attacks, which are sudden and often affect joints like the big toe, knee, or ankle. This condition is caused by the increased levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints. Colcrys reduces swelling and the buildup of these uric acid crystals, easing pain in the affected joints. Additionally, Colcrys is used to prevent pain attacks in the chest, abdomen, or joints caused by familial Mediterranean fever, a genetic disease. It is believed to work by reducing the production of a specific protein that accumulates in people with this condition. Colcrys is not a general pain reliever and should not be used for pain unrelated to these conditions.

Important Safety Information for Using Colchicine

What Are the Side Effects of Colchicine?

Common side effects of Colchicine: Similar to other medications, Colcrys 0.6 mg tablet may cause certain side effects in people using it to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever. These side effects disappear within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. It is important to mention that not everyone using Colchicine will experience side effects associated with its use. If you are concerned about the risks associated with the use of Colchicine, you should consult your doctor or licensed medical practitioner before using it. Common side effects of Colchicine 0.6 mg are given below:

• Nausea and vomiting: After starting treatment with Colchicine, you may experience these gut-related side effects. These side effects are more likely to occur if you are taking higher doses of Colcrys. 

• Diarrhea: This is the most common side effect of Colcrys. It is usually treatable and reversible and disappears within a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. To prevent diarrhea, you should intake lots of fluids, and if necessary, you can take an over-the-counter medication after consulting your doctor. 

• • Constipation: If you experience constipation while using Colchicine, you should drink plenty of water and increase your fibre intake to ease the symptoms. Physical activities can also stimulate bowel movements. If the constipation persists or becomes severe, consult your medical provider for further advice.  

• Abdominal pain: This can occur because Colcrys can irritate the intestines and stomach lining. If it becomes bothersome, talk to your doctor. They are most likely to make adjustments to your medication dosage or suggest alternative treatment options to manage your conditions effectively. 

Mild side effects of Colchicine: Sometimes, Colchicine can cause mild side effects in some users. These side effects are not usually serious and go away within a few days or weeks without any medical assistance. However, if any symptoms persist or become bothersome, immediately call your doctor and report any new or persistent side effects to your doctor.

• Throat pain: This type of pain may feel like a sore throat, but it’s less likely to occur and usually resolves on its own. Sometimes, signs of throat pain may indicate a serious problem, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or inflammation. This may be a sign of an infection. Consult your doctor if you experience this. 
• Headache: If you experience a headache after starting treatment with Colchicine, it is most likely to be short-lived without any medical assistance. But if it does not get better or worsen, talk to an expert medical practitioner. They may adjust your medication dosage. 
• Fatigue: Usually, this is mild and does not require medical treatment. But if you have an intense, unusual weakness that interferes with your daily tasks, this may be concerning. If your fatigue lasts longer than two weeks, you should have it evaluated by a medical practitioner. 

Serious side effects of Colchicine: In rare cases, Colchicine can cause severe side effects in people belonging to certain groups. It is important to mention that your doctor has prescribed you this medication because they have determined that the benefits of Colchicine outweigh the risks associated with its use. If you experience any of the serious side effects, you should immediately seek medical attention, as these symptoms can become lethal if not treated promptly. These serious side effects may indicate toxicity or an adverse reaction to Colchicine. Some of them are listed below. 

• Muscle weakness or nerve problems: Consuming Colchicine in large quantities or more frequently than prescribed can lead to muscle or nerve problems. Symptoms of nerve damage due to Colchicine can include numbness, pain, or tingling in the hands or feet. Symptoms of muscle problems can include fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine. In severe cases, it can cause rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when the muscle tissue breaks down & enters the bloodstream. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call your doctor or seek immediate medical help. 

• • Severe allergic reactions: Similar to other medications, Colchicine can cause allergic reactions in some people. Its symptoms can vary from mild to adverse, including skin rash, itchiness, swelling in your skin, lips, hands, feet, mouth, throat, or tongue. If you experience symptoms of an adverse allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, you should immediately call your doctor and discontinue using your medication. If you have difficulty breathing or feel like you may pass out, seek prompt medical attention, as these symptoms could be life-threatening. 
  • Serious blood disorders: Its symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, drowsiness, fever, easy bruising & unusual bleeding, including nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend discontinuing using Colchicine tablets. 

• Fast heartbeat: This may indicate cardiovascular stress or an abnormal heart rhythm. It can feel like palpitations or a racing heartbeat. In severe cases, this can lead to atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. To prevent this, patients with pre-existing heart conditions should be closely monitored. 

• • Severe diarrhea or vomiting: If prolonged or severe, this can cause dehydration & electrolyte imbalances. To prevent this, you should start using Colchicine at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose. 

• Changes in the amount of urine: This could indicate kidney dysfunction, which may manifest as decreased or increased urine output. Ensuring proper hydration and avoiding other nephrotoxic drugs can help protect kidney function.  

• Shortness of breath: This may indicate respiratory distress or could be related to cardiovascular issues. This can further lead to severe breathing problems and low oxygen levels. 

• Symptoms of an infection, like a persistent sore throat or fever: This medication can suppress bone marrow function, increasing susceptibility to various infections. To prevent this, you should practice good hygiene practices and avoid crowds or sick individuals whenever possible. 

• The pale or gray color of the tongue, lips, or palms of the hands: This could indicate poor perfusion or anemia. In severe cases, it might suggest methemoglobinemia, a condition where hemoglobin is altered and cannot effectively carry oxygen. To prevent this, you should follow a nutritious, healthy, and balanced diet. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. To prevent serious side effects caused by Colchicine, patients should be monitored regularly, and you should only use this medication exactly as prescribed by a medical practitioner. 

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Colchicine? 

While using Colchicine, you should consider the following warnings for a safe and efficient use of the medication. Some of the key points of the medication use include: 

• Blood Disorders Warning: Colchicine can reduce the number of different types of blood cells your body makes. This can increase your risk of getting infections or bleeding because some of these blood cells help fight infections, and others help your blood to clot. If you have any blood disorders, it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether Colchicine is safe for you.
• Overdose Warning: Consuming too much Colchicine can be extremely dangerous and could lead to death. It’s important to always follow your doctor’s instructions and never exceed the prescribed dosage of this medication.
• Muscle Damage Warning: Taking Colchicine for six months or more can harm your muscles. Older adults are at a higher risk. If you’re also using medications for cholesterol, which can harm muscles, this risk might increase. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the safety of using Colchicine alongside cholesterol medications.
• Allergy Warning: Colchicine can sometimes cause a serious allergic reaction. If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing or swelling of your throat or tongue, seek medical help immediately. Call your local poison control center or doctor, or go to the nearest emergency room if your symptoms are severe. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Colchicine, you should not take this medication again, as it could be life-threatening. 

What Are the Colchicine Precautions?

Before you start using Colchicine tablets, you should share your complete medical history with your doctor and discuss with your doctor whether this medication is suitable for you, weighing the risks associated with its use and its benefits. The following should be considered for this medication.  

• For People with Kidney Disease: For those who have kidney disease, it’s important to know that your kidneys help remove Colchicine from your body. If your kidneys aren’t working correctly, Colchicine can build up in your system and increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor might lower your dose of Colchicine to prevent this.
• For People with Liver Disease: if you have liver disease, your liver helps process Colchicine in your body. If your liver isn’t functioning well, Colchicine levels can rise, leading to a higher chance of side effects. To reduce this risk, your doctor may reduce your Colchicine dosage.

Other Important Precautions

• For Pregnant Women: Colchicine is classified as a Category C pregnancy drug. This indicates that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there is insufficient human data to determine the impact on pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor about all the benefits and risks if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Colchicine should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Contact your primary caregiver immediately if you become pregnant while taking Colchicine.
• For Breastfeeding Women: Colchicine may be transferred to breast milk and could affect a breastfed child. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the risks. You may need to choose between discontinuing breastfeeding or stopping the medication.
• For Seniors: Older adults may experience reduced kidney function, leading to slower drug processing. As a result, the drug may remain in the body longer, increasing the risk of side effects.
• For Children: The safety and effectiveness of Colchicine for treating gout in children have not been established.
• Potential Drug Interactions: Before using Colchicine, tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently using or plan to use alongside Colchicine, as drug interactions may occur. In such cases, your doctor may recommend you change the medication dose or decide not to treat with this medication.   

What Are the Contraindications of Colchicine?

Colchicine is contraindicated for use in: 

• Patients with kidney (renal) or liver (hepatic) problems should not take Colchicine capsules along with medications that inhibit both P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 enzymes. This combination can lead to dangerous or even deadly levels of Colchicine in the body.
• Individuals with both kidney and liver issues should not be prescribed Colchicine capsules.

What If You Miss a Dose of Colchicine?

What you should do if you miss a dose of Colchicine depends on why you’re taking the medication.

• If you’re using Colchicine to treat a gout flare and you’re not taking it regularly to prevent gout, take the dose that you have missed as soon as you remember.
• If you’re using Colchicine to treat a gout flare with this you are also take it regularly to prevent gout, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Or wait for 12 hours & then continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• If you’re taking Colchicine to prevent gout flares or episodes of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the dose & take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
• You can set a reminder on your phone to further prevent missing doses. Medication reminders and alarms work best for this purpose. 

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Colchicine?

Taking more Colchicine than your doctor recommends can be dangerous and may even lead to death. Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Multi-organ failure

If you believe you’ve taken too much Colchicine, contact your doctor immediately. If your symptoms are severe, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

[Note: If you consumed more than recommended dose, get medical help right away, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store Colchicine?

• Store Colchicine tablets in a tightly closed container at a controlled room temperature.
• Keep it away from direct light and moisture to maintain its effectiveness.
• Regularly check the medication for any expired or unneeded items and safely discard them.
• Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the moisture and temperature changes can affect the medication’s stability.
• Store all medications, including Colchicine 0.6 mg, in a secure place that is out of sight and reach of children and pets. 
• Unwanted medications should be disposed of so that they are out of reach of children, pets, and others. 
• Unless instructed by a licensed healthcare professional, do not pour them into wastewater, flush them, or throw them away.
• Giving away medications as part of a medicine take-back program is the most effective way to get rid of unwanted ones. 
• To learn more about the ways of how to properly dispose of outdated or no longer needed medications, consult your pharmacist, local waste disposal company, or medical team.  

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Colchicine?

Interaction with Medications

Colchicine oral tablets can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. An interaction means that a substance can affect how a medication works, which might be harmful or stop the medication from working properly. To avoid interactions, your doctor should carefully manage all of your medications. 

Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. If you want to know how Colchicine might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your primary healthcare giver or pharmacist. 

Drugs You Should Not Use with Colcrys

Here are some drugs that you should avoid taking with Colcrys (Colchicine) due to the risk of serious side effects:

• Antifungal Medications: Drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole, when taken with Colchicine, can lead to extremely high levels of Colchicine in your body. It then increases the risk of side effects such as severe muscle damage.
• Antibiotics: When used with colchicine, antibiotics such as clarithromycin and telithromycin can result in dangerously high Colchicine levels, raising the risk of severe muscle damage.
• HIV Medications: HIV drugs, including indinavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and ritonavir, can also cause a significant increase in Colchicine levels in your body, leading to severe muscle damage.
• Antidepressants: Using antidepressants like nefazodone with Colchicine can lead to very high levels of Colchicine in your body, increasing the risk of severe muscle damage.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications with Colcrys to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

Interactions That Increase Your Risk of Side Effects

When you take Colchicine with certain medications, it can increase your risk of side effects from Colchicine. Here are some examples:

• Heart drugs like verapamil or diltiazem can lead to increased side effects such as vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea. To avoid these issues, your doctor might reduce your Colchicine dosage.
• Cholesterol medications such as gemfibrozil, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, or fibrates can cause serious muscle damage as a side effect. Your doctor may lower your Colchicine dosage to prevent this.
• Digoxin, a medication used for heart rhythm problems, can also lead to increased side effects like serious muscle damage. To avoid this, your doctor might reduce your Colchicine dosage.

What Are the Other Colchicine Interactions?

Certain herbs, supplements, food items, and beverages should not be used simultaneously with Colchicine as interactions may occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause interactions. To prevent this, your doctor may recommend you make certain dietary or lifestyle changes. The following interactions have been chosen due to their potential significance, and the list is not exhaustive; there may be other interactions with Colchicine 0.6 mg. 

Food Interactions

Grapefruit or its juice can interfere with how your body processes Colchicine, leading to higher levels of the drug in your system and an increased risk of side effects. To avoid this, do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Colchicine.

Disease Interactions

Apart from medications, supplements, and herbs, Colchicine also has certain disease interactions. Caution is advised while prescribing this medication to patients belonging to the following groups. Such individuals should be closely monitored on a regular basis to check if the medication is working as well as it should and if they should continue using Colchicine to treat their condition. Before using this medication, share your entire medical and family history with your doctor. Disease interactions of Colchicine are as follows: 

• Cardiac dysfunction 
• Bone marrow suppression 
• Liver disease
• Renal dysfunction
• DIC 
• Electrolyte disturbances 
• Rhabdomylosis 

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Colcrys. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Colchicine Alternatives?

While Colchicine is an effective medication used to treat conditions such as gout & familial Mediterranean fever, it can sometimes cause serious side effects or may fail to provide desirable results. For these reasons, people are looking for alternatives to Colchicine. There are many substitutes for this medication available on the market. However, you should consult a licensed medical professional before switching your prescription or starting a new one. Based on the severity of your condition, age, or other medications you may be using, your doctor will help you determine the medication that works best for you. Some of the most common and effective alternatives to Colchicine 0.6 mg are as follows: 

• Bufferin (aspirin)
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Indocin (indomethacin)
• Ketoprofen
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Dexamethasone
• Triamcinolone
• Probenecid
• Betamethasone
• Dexamethasone Intensol
• Aristospan
• Prednisone

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Colchicine Cost & Coupons

Colchicine is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat & prevent gout attacks. It belongs to the antigout agent class and works by reducing inflammation due to uric acid crystals. While effective, the Colchicine 0.6 mg price can vary depending on factors including health insurance coverage & the pharmacy you choose. To help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, some patients opt for online pharmacies or discount programs. Services like Polar Bear Meds offer options to buy Colchicine online from Canada at a lower price. Additionally, first-time customers can use the Colchicine 0.6 mg coupon code WELCOMEPB10 for an additional 10% discount on their initial order, making the treatment more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can you only take Colchicine for 3 days?

You can only take Colchicine for three days to minimize the risk of toxicity due to the accumulation of Colchicine and severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Prolonged use of Colchicine can lead to toxicity, as Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window, which means that the distinction between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. You should not take Colchicine more often, in large quantities, or more than prescribed, as it can cause side effects. 

How long does it take for Colchicine to work for gout?

It usually starts working between 30 minutes and 2 hours after taking it. However, it might take a day or two for you to notice a reduction in inflammation and pain. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don’t feel immediate relief. If your symptoms don’t improve or if you experience adverse side effects, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. 

How do I know if Colchicine is working?

You can tell that Colchicine is working if you start to feel less pain from your gout flare. This medication usually begins to take effect between 30 minutes and 2 hours after you take it, but it might take a day or two for your pain to significantly improve. It’s vital to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor precisely, as taking even a small amount more than prescribed can be very dangerous. Additionally, while on Colchicine, you should avoid consuming grapefruit and its juice, as they may interact with the medication & lead to unwanted side effects.

What is the use of Colchicine other than gout?

Colchicine is primarily approved by the FDA for preventing gout attacks and treating sudden gout flares. Additionally, it is approved for treating familial Mediterranean fever, a genetic condition that causes recurrent fevers and inflammation. Beyond these uses, Colchicine is also employed off-label for various conditions. These include liver diseases such as hepatic cirrhosis and primary biliary cirrhosis, as well as pseudogout, a condition similar to gout but caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals instead of uric acid crystals. The versatility of Colchicine in treating different inflammatory conditions highlights its importance in medicine.

Why is Colchicine a high-alert medication?

Colchicine is considered a high-alert medication because it carries a significant risk of toxicity if not used properly. This means that incorrect dosage or usage can lead to severe side effects, including potentially life-threatening conditions. It’s essential to adhere closely to the prescribed dosage & usage instructions and consult a doctor if there are any concerns or questions about taking Colchicine. Due to its high-risk nature, extra caution is advised when prescribing, dispensing, and administering this medication. 

Our Guarantee

At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Colchicine (Colcrys) online from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently buy Colchicine online at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.