Colchicine 500mcg Tablets

What are Colchicine Tablets?

Colchicine is an anti-gout agent that reduces painful inflammation inside the joints caused by crystals of uric acid. When taken daily, Colchicine tablets can both prevent and treat flare-ups of gout, offering noticeable improvements within just 24 hours.

Colchicine tablets are suitable for most adults over the age of 18 years. Each bottle contains twelve 500 microgram strength tablets.

What is Colchicine used for?

Colchicine is used to treat Gout, which is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, extremely painful inflammation, usually in just one joint, most commonly the big toe. Gout is caused by a build of uric acid, consumed through your diet, inside the body that then builds up and crystallizes inside the joints.

Symptoms of Gout include:

• Sudden, intense joint pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat

If you are unsure if you are suffering from Gout you should see a doctor who will be able to offer an appropriate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

How does Colchicine work?

Colchicine is effective in preventing and treating flare-ups of gout. It helps to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body, breaking down the crystals in the joints that are responsible for the intense pain and swelling associated with gout.

How quickly does Colchicine work?

Colchicine is an incredibly quick treatment option for easing pain and discomfort caused by gout. It begins to break down the uric acid in your body within 30 minutes - 2 hours and most people will feel noticeable relief from their condition within 1 - 2 days.

Alternatives to Colchicine

For some people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can offer adequate relief from gout. It is also recommended that if you suffer from flare-ups of gout you make certain changes to your lifestyle, to help reduce the frequency and severity of these flare-ups.

Making the following changes are recommended:

• Eat a healthy diet that avoids foods such as red meat, organ meat, and seafood, which can be triggers of gout.
• Try to lose some weight and get involved in low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking or cycling. This will relieve some of the pressure on your joints.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.

If you would like help and support with any of the following changes you should speak to your doctor for advice. They will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate services.

Sources

• Colchicine Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6415/pil
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/colchicine/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Colchicine warnings

• Do not take Colchicine if you have a blood disorder or have liver or kidney damage.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you are elderly, or have problems with your heart or digestive system.
• If you are taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Colchicine.
• Colchicine can be toxic. You must not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. If you develop nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea you must see a doctor immediately. You should also get regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells and platelets while taking Colchicine.

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with all warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Colchicine in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Colchicine is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You must ensure you use reliable contraception while taking Colchicine to avoid getting pregnant. If you think you might have become pregnant while using this medication you should speak to a doctor for advice.

Colchicine dosage

Colchicine tablets are for oral use only and can be taken by adults over the age of 18 years to prevent or treat flare-ups of gout.

Treatment of acute gout:

1. Take ONE tablet two to four times a day until symptoms relieved as instructed by your doctor.
2. Do not take more than 12 tablets in one course of treatment.
3. If needed, a second course of treatment can be taken after a three day break.

Before taking Colchicine tablets you must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Colchicine ingredients

The active ingredient is: Colchicine 500 micrograms.

The other ingredients are: lactose, maize starch, stearic acid and purified talc.

Colchicine side effects

Like other medication, Colchicine tablets may cause some people to develop side effects.

If you develop any nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or a fever you should stop taking these tablets and see a doctor immediately.

The following side effects also may occur:

• Hair loss
• Rash
• Painful or weak muscles
• Nerve pain
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Painful periods

For full details regarding side effects please see the Patient Information Leaflet. If you are worried about any side effects you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor.