Colchicine Side Effects
Gout is a form of arthritis that can come on suddenly and can cause severe pain. Gout can affect a number of joints throughout your body but the joints most commonly affected are the big toe or the hands. You will notice swelling and redness of the affected joint. You will also experience severe pain in the affected joint. If you are diagnosed with Gout, your doctor will prescribe a medication for this condition. Colchicine for Gout is a common treatment. But before you begin taking this medication you must be aware of the colchicine side effects.
Colchicine is mainly prescribed for Gout attacks. Researchers are not sure exactly how colchicine works, but it is theorized that it affects specific proteins in the body to combat your Gout symptoms. This drug can be prescribed for other conditions such as Mediterranean fever or pericarditis.
When you are taking colchicine for Gout, you will be instructed to take one dose at the first sign of Gout pain and then you will take another dose one hour later. The second dose is usually smaller than the initial dose. Once you have taken these doses of colchicine you should feel relief from your Gout symptoms. If you are not getting relief or are experiencing more Gout attacks over the next few days you should contact your doctor. Do not attempt to treat your Gout by taking additional doses of colchicine. Your doctor should instruct you on how to take this medication safely to relieve your Gout symptoms.
Colchicine poisoning can result if you take too much of this drug over a short period of time. Your doctor will advise you not to drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit with this drug because it increases your risk of toxicity. Colchicine toxicity symptoms are comparable to arsenic poisoning. The symptoms of this type of toxicity usually will begin 2 to 5 after the toxic dose has been taken. The symptoms will start with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the mouth and then kidney failure. After 24 to 72 hours, multi-system organ failure will occur. This can include hypovolemic shock, which is often fatal. If the individual survives colchicine poisoning, he may suffer from kidney damage, anemia, respiratory failure and muscle weakness. No specific antidote for colchicine toxicity exists and treatment would involve managing the symptoms as they emerge.
You need to be aware of any side effect of colchicine that may be hazardous. The following list will help you understand what to look for:
Mild Side Effects That do Not Require Immediate Medical Intervention
- Stomach Cramps
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These are the most common side effects. They will usually subside once your body gets acclimated to the drug. If these symptoms persist or become severe, you should let your doctor know.
Severe Side Effects That Require Immediate Medical Intervention
- Gray or pale colored lips, tongue or palms.
- Muscle weakness or pain.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Fingers and toes going numb.
- Signs of infection such as fever, sore throat and chills.
- Unusual feelings of being tired or weak.
- These symptoms are less common but need to be addressed as soon as possible. See your doctor the same day or go to the emergency room.
- Life Threatening Side Effects That Needs Emergency Intervention
- Sudden shortness of breath.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat.
These symptoms are signs of anaphylactic shock and require emergency intervention to survive. If you are hesitant to take colchicine due to the risk of side effects, you can try alternatives. Try over the counter non-steroidal drugs such as ibuprofen for the pain. Drink plenty of water and incorporate fresh black cherries into your diet. Cherries have been proven to be an effective remedy for Gout. You can also soak the affected joint in water and Epsom salts to alleviate the swelling and pain.
There is always a risk of colchicine side effects occurring. But if you take this medication as directed, the risk of experiencing a side effect of colchicine is low. Talk with your doctor about this medication. Make sure he/she is aware of all the medications you take including herbal supplements and over the counter drugs. If you and your doctor work together closely, you can safely benefit from colchicine for your Gout symptoms.
