What colchicine is for
Colchicine treats gout by reducing pain and joint inflammation.
It's used for a short time to:
- relieve symptoms of a gout attack
- prevent attacks that may happen when you first start taking other medicines for gout
It's also used to prevent symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a rare genetic condition.
How to take colchicine
Colchicine comes as tablets, which you swallow whole with a glass of water.
How much you need to take and how long for depends on why you're taking it. Your doctor will explain your dose to you.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Important
When taking colchicine, do not take your doses closer together than your doctor has told you. This can cause too much of the medicine to build up in your body, which can cause serious side effects.
If you miss a dose of colchicine
If you forget to take a dose of colchicine, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you've missed a dose and are not sure what to do.
If you take too much colchicine
Taking extra doses of colchicine can be dangerous.
Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of colchicine
If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the colchicine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Side effects of colchicine
Like all medicines, colchicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Possible serious side effects of colchicine include:
- too much of the medicine building up in your body (toxicity) – causing symptoms such as stomach pain, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
- bone marrow problems – causing symptoms such as a high temperature, bruises, or bleeding for a long time after an injury
- nerve problems (neuropathy) – causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, loss of feeling and weakness
- muscle and kidney problems – causing symptoms such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, and dark red or brown pee
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
Colchicine will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery but if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking it, wait until these symptoms have stopped.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you're taking colchicine and think you might be having anaphylaxis
If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of colchicine.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take colchicine
Most adults can take colchicine. It's sometimes also prescribed for children.
But colchicine is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from colchicine before
- you have a blood condition
- you have kidney problems or are having dialysis
- you have a condition that affects your digestive system, such as a stomach ulcer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or coeliac disease
- you have liver or heart problems
Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and colchicine
You may be able to take colchicine while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and colchicine
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking colchicine.
Colchicine can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.
Taking colchicine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with colchicine.
This includes:
- statins, used to manage high cholesterol
- some types of antibiotic, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
- some types of heart medicine, such as verapamil, diltiazem and digoxin
- medicines to treat HIV, such as ritonavir
- cimetidine, used to lower the amount of stomach acid
- ciclosporin, a medicine given after an organ transplant
Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with colchicine
You can eat as normal while taking colchicine.
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking colchicine because it can increase the amount of the medicine in your blood, which can be dangerous.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice