Colchicine is a prescription-only medication used to treat gout by reducing inflammation in the joints. The medicine is not a cure for gout, but it can be used to treat the symptoms. Traditionally, colchicine has been available in tablet and injectable form, although the FDA has taken all injectable forms of the medication off the market due to risk of toxicity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), patients should take the following precautions when using colchicine for gout pain.
Instructions
1. Talk to your doctor first before you start using colchicine. Never take this medication without a prescription and do not take any products containing colchicine that were not given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Do not take colchicine if you are pregnant. Several studies have shown that colchicine can be harmful when used during pregnancy.
3. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking colchicine, unless your doctor specifically permits it. Grapefruit juice may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking colchicine. Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of the medication and may contribute to stomach irritation.
5. Take only the amount directed by your doctor, with food and a large glass of water. There is no standard dose, but most patients start with one 0.5 mg tablet per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may increase the dose if one tablet is not effective in treating your gout pain.
6. Keep taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop. If you are using colchicine for gout pain, you may feel improvement quickly but the pain could return if you stop taking the medication before instructed by your doctor.
7. Store your medication in a dry, cool place and do not keep it in the refrigerator or a bathroom. Make sure it is safely secured from children and pets.
8. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects. Colchicine may cause digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
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