COLCHICINE - ORAL
(COAL-cheh-seen)

USES
This medication is used to treat and prevent gout.

HOW TO USE
To control a gout attack, start taking this medication at the first signs of an attack. Take by mouth as directed, either continuously or only for acute gout attacks.

SIDE EFFECTS
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms (which may indicate that you need to stop taking the drug): nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea. Report to MD promptly: yellowing eyes or skin, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle aches, numbness or tingling of legs and arms, fatigue, rash, itchy skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: kidney or heart disease, stomach or intestinal problems, bleeding disorders, any drug allergies. Alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of this drug. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor you are taking colchicine. If you are to take a urine test while using this medication, tell the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking colchicine because colchicine may affect the test results. Colchicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Though no problems noted to date, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before using this drug, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; burning pain in throat, stomach, and skin; and muscle weakness.

NOTES
Colchicine relieves pain but only pain associated with gout. It should not be used for any other type of pain. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.