Colchicine for gout attacks

What is colchicine?

The most commonly prescribed treatment for a gout attack is an anti-inflammatory painkiller, although not everyone is able to take this kind of medicine. Colchicine is an alternative treatment for gout attacks for those people who cannot take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Colchicine works by reducing the number of white blood cells which travel into the inflamed areas. Colchicine helps break the cycle of inflammation and reduces the swelling and pain of the gout attack.

Gout causes attacks of painful inflammation in one or more of your joints. It is caused by a build-up of a naturally occurring chemical in your blood, called uric acid (urate). From time to time, the level of uric acid in your blood may become too high and tiny grit-like crystals may form, which typically collect in your joints and tendons. The crystals irritate the tissues of the joint to cause inflammation, swelling and pain.

Before taking colchicine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking colchicine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your heart or liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have any problems with your digestive system.

• If you have a blood disorder.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take colchicine

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about colchicine and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• You must take colchicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Most doctors will recommend that when a gout attacks starts, you should take one tablet 2-4 times a day until the pain eases. It is important that you do not take more than 12 tablets of colchicine as a course of treatment during any one gout attack. It is also important that you leave at least three days between courses of colchicine. If you find you are having frequent attacks of gout, please let your doctor know about this.

• If you have recently been prescribed a medicine to prevent gout attacks (such as allopurinol, febuxostat, or sulfinpyrazone) and you have been given colchicine to prevent a flare-up attack of gout, the usual dose for this is one tablet twice each day.

• Take colchicine tablets with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are on colchicine. This is because grapefruit juice increases the risk that you will experience side-effects from the colchicine.

• Colchicine tablets are taken in short courses of treatment to relieve the pain of a gout attack. If you have frequent attacks of gout, let your doctor know as they may prescribe another medicine for you to take every day to help prevent the attacks from occurring.

• There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce the risk of having a gout attack. These include losing weight (if you are overweight), eating a healthy diet and not drinking much alcohol or sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Your doctor will advise you about the changes which could benefit you.

• Never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much colchicine can cause serious problems. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of colchicine or has swallowed some by accident, you must contact a doctor straightaway. Alternatively, go to the accident and emergency department of a local hospital. Do not delay. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This is so the doctor knows what has been taken.

Can colchicine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with colchicine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store colchicine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines