Colchicine (Systemic)
DescriptionColchicine
(KOL-chi-seen) is
used to prevent or treat attacks of gout (also called gouty arthritis). People
with gout have too much uric acid in their blood and joints. An attack of
gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and
heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout or take the place of other
medicines that lower the amount of uric acid in the body. It prevents or relieves
gout attacks by reducing inflammation. Colchicine is not an ordinary pain
reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain.
Colchicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Colchicine may be used in 2 ways. Most people take small amounts of it
regularly for a long time (months or even years) to prevent severe attacks
or other problems caused by inflammation. Other people take large amounts
of colchicine during a short period of time (several hours) only when the
medicine is needed to relieve an attack that is occurring. The chance of serious
side effects is much lower with the first (preventive) kind of treatment.
Because some of colchicine's side effects can be very serious, you should
discuss with your doctor the good that this medicine can do as well as the
risks of using it. Make sure you understand exactly how you are to use it,
and follow the instructions carefully, to lessen the chance of unwanted effects.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the
following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S.)
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