Colcrys (Colchicine)

Do’s:

• Take Colcrys exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food.
• Follow specific dosing instructions for gout attacks:
  • 1.2mg at the first sign of an attack, followed by 0.6mg one hour later.
  • Maximum dose: 1.8mg within 1 hour.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about repeating treatment for future attacks.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for preventing gout attacks or pericarditis.
• Take 1.2mg to 2.4mg daily for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), once or twice a day. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dose.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal products.
• Take Colcrys regularly at the same time(s) each day, if prescribed for regular use.
• Ask your healthcare provider if grapefruit juice is safe with Colcrys.

Don'ts

• Don't take more Colcrys than prescribed. More medication won't improve effectiveness and can increase side effects.
• Don't increase your dose, use it more often, or take it longer than prescribed.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Colcrys without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• For FMF, don't stop taking Colcrys if your condition doesn't improve, talk to your healthcare provider.

Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal distress

Serious side effects include:

• Muscle weakness or pain
• Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Increased infections
• Feeling weak or tired
• Pale or gray color to lips, tongue, or palms of hands
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Colcrys,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and your medical history, especially kidney or liver problems.

Limit alcohol consumption while taking Colcrys as it can affect its effectiveness.

Colcrys may affect how your body absorbs nutrients, talk to your healthcare provider for details.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take before any surgery or dental procedure.

Be aware of increased risk for side effects like muscle weakness/pain and numbness/tingling in hands and feet.

Colchicys may decrease sperm production and affect fertility.

Colcrys should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Colcrys passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as they may recommend separating feeding times from medication intake.