Colcrys / Colchicine (generic name: colchicine) alleviates symptoms and prevents and treats gout attacks, a severe type of inflammatory arthritis. It reduces inflammation and uric acid buildup in the joints. It is mainly used to treat people with gout who can’t use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Colcrys also treats and prevents Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), mainly in children and adolescents.

Caution

Note that there is only a tiny difference between the effective dose of this medication and the dose that can cause acute poisoning. This means that taking even a slightly higher dose can cause acute symptoms of poisoning. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, stop taking the medicine and immediately contact a doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Overdosing, including as a result of possible drug interactions, can lead to a very painful and irreversible poisoning with a potentially fatal outcome.

Caution against pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Colcrys.

Pregnant women should not be using Colchicine for the treatment of gout without consulting a doctor, as it might harm the unborn baby and pose a risk of miscarriage. For this reason, women planning to become pregnant should use appropriate birth control measures during the treatment and for at least three months after taking the last dose of Colcrys. If pregnancy occurs while already on treatment with Colcrys, consult a doctor. Colchicine passes into the breast milk. Do not use Colchicine without first consulting a doctor about the risk of breastfeeding for the child versus the benefit of treatment.

Dosage

The prescribing doctor sets the dosage and manner of treatment. Always follow the directions provided by the doctor. If you are unsure about the medication’s dosage or manner of treatment, see the doctor or pharmacist. The prescribed daily dosage can be split into two doses or taken simultaneously. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during the treatment period since this might raise the level of Colchicine in the blood. Try to take the dose at the same time each day. If a dose was missed at the set time, it can be made up for as soon as this is remembered, but if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the forgotten dose. Instead, continue taking the medicine at the times set by the doctor. Under no circumstances take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose. Check with a doctor if you are not sure. Even if the symptoms improve, do not stop the treatment without consulting a doctor.

Storage

Store this medication away from the reach of infants and children in temperatures below 25°C/77°F and out of bright light. Please read our friendly tips on handling medicine safely. FAQs

Can I take Colcrys during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Colcrys may be harmful to fertility as well as the fetus. Before taking the medication, inform a doctor when expecting pregnancy, already pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What food should I avoid if I’m using Colcrys?

Throughout the treatment, avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice, as these may increase the blood level of Colchicine.

What happens if I accidentally take an overdose?

Colcrys has a narrow therapeutic index, so a higher dose is risky. If there is an overdose, or if a child has accidentally swallowed the medicine, there is a risk of poisoning; therefore, proceed immediately to a doctor or a hospital emergency room and go with a package of the medication.