How should I use colchicine (Colcrys)?

Colchicine comes in oral tablets, oral capsules, and liquid dosage forms. You can take the medication with or without food. You should take the tablet or capsule with a glass of water. If you are taking liquid colchicine, measure your dose with a syringe. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon for this purpose.

When you use colchicine to prevent attacks of gouty arthritis and treat FMF (familial Mediterranean fever), your doctor usually asks you to take it once or twice a day. When you use colchicine to treat an acute gout flare, your doctor will ask you to take one dose as soon as you experience symptoms, followed by a smaller dose one hour later. 

Read the prescription label and follow the dosing instructions carefully. Do not take a higher or lower colchicine dose or take it less or more frequently than advised by your healthcare provider. Too much colchicine can lead to neuromuscular toxicity, which can be potentially fatal. 

Colchicine can prevent gout and treat FMF only as long as you are taking the medication. Continue colchicine even if you feel well. Do not stop the medicine without talking to your doctor first.

When taking colchicine to prevent gout attacks, call your doctor and ask about taking extra doses of colchicine if you get a flare. If your doctor advises you to take additional doses, do not take your next scheduled dose for at least 12 hours after the extra treatment doses. If you do not get relief of symptoms or experience more gout flares within a few days of taking colchicine, talk to your healthcare professional before taking additional medication. 

Missed dose: If you forget to take your colchicine dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Do not double up on the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store colchicine in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep all over-the-counter and prescription drugs out of reach of children.

Unused medicine: The best way to dispose of unused or expired colchicine is through a medication take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This is a summary sheet, and the drug information contained here is for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have questions about colchicine, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Discounted prices for colchicine (Colcrys)
 start at $28.16.

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