Colchicine tablets are a prescription medication used to treat certain medical conditions, including gout. Gout is a joint condition which causes severe and sudden pain. Colchicine tablets contain the active ingredient colchicine which comes from the autumn crocus plant and has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy to manage joint pain.

Colchicine relieves the pain of gout attacks by reducing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals which build up in the joints. Colchicine is not a painkiller; it is an anti-inflammatory medication which can help to deal with the cause of gout pain. Superdrug Online Doctor can help you to diagnose and treat gout.

Colchicine is available in generic and brand-name forms. Colcrys and Mitigare are brand-name products, but these are not available in the UK. Generic forms of colchicine, such as the one available from Superdrug Online Doctor, are typically more affordable. Both brand name and generic versions work in exactly the same way.

Colchicine reduces the inflammation that causes severe pain during a gout attack. A build-up of uric acid crystals in your joints (typically your big toe) causes this inflammation and pain because they trigger an immune response.

Colchicine also reduces how many white blood cells can reach inflamed regions. This helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, reducing pain.

How long does colchicine take to work?

Colchicine normally takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to start working depending on how serious your gout attack is. However, for some people, it can take a day or two for the pain to improve. It does not provide immediate relief like a painkiller, instead, it works by reducing the inflammatory response. Due to this, the effectiveness of colchicine may vary between individuals.

Colchicine is normally taken at the first sign of a gout attack. The sooner you take it the better. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. They should not be crushed or split as this can affect how they are absorbed into your body. The typical dose is 1 tablet, 2 to 4 times per day for gout treatment.

It is important you carefully follow the dosage instructions you are prescribed by your doctor for colchicine, as there is only a minor difference between the correct dose and an overdose. Using the correct dosage also ensures the maximum effectiveness of colchicine.

What if I take too much colchicine?

If you take a higher dose of colchicine than you were prescribed, it can be very dangerous. An overdose of colchicine is potentially fatal. If you take too much colchicine call 999 or go to A&E immediately, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. Do not drive yourself, get someone else to or call an ambulance.

Symptoms of an overdose of colchicine can include:

• stomach ache
• diarrhoea with blood in it
• nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
• feeling dizzy or light-headed (due to low blood pressure)

What if I miss a dose of colchicine?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule at the next dose. Do not double dose.

Colchicine is prescribed in different dosage schedules depending on the individual and their symptoms. Tablets are available in 500 microgram (mcg) doses. It is very important you take the correct dose of treatment for the prevention of your gout attacks.

For gout, the normal dose is 1 tablet (500 micrograms), taken 2 to 4 times daily. You must follow the dosing schedule you were prescribed by your doctor, as an overdose of colchicine can be very dangerous and even fatal.

You can buy colchicine online. Colchicine is available on prescription in tablet form, and you can get it from Superdrug Online Doctor here.

Can I buy colchicine over the counter?

No, colchicine is a prescription-only medication, which means it is not available over the counter.

Can I get colchicine on the NHS?

Yes, colchicine is available through the NHS as a prescription. However, you will be liable to pay a prescription charge unless you are exempt. Your doctor may recommend or want you to try other medications for gout before prescribing colchicine due to potential side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Like all medications, colchicine can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets side effects However, even mild side effects from colchicine can be a sign of a serious problem which requires medical attention.

If you get any side effects when taking colchicine, stop taking it and get medical attention immediately.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you are taking colchicine and you:

• feel sick or vomit
• get stomach pain
• have diarrhoea
• have a swollen mouth, sore throat, high temperature, or bleeding that does not stop
• have skin problems or unusual bruising like purple or red marks on your skin (these can be less apparent on brown or black skin)

In rare cases, some people can have a serious allergic reaction to colchicine, known as anaphylaxis.

Call 999 immediately if when taking colchicine:

• your mouth, throat, lips, or tongue quickly get swollen
• you have breathing difficulties
• your throat feels very tight or you find it difficult to swallow
• your tongue, lips, or skin turn grey, blue, or pale (if your skin is brown or black, this may be more apparent on your palms, or the soles of your feet)
• you become confused, drowsy, or dizzy suddenly
• you get a rash which is blistered, peeling, swollen, raised, or itchy
• someone faints and will not wake up

Other potential side effects that have unknown frequency include:

• inflammation of your nerves which can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain
• nerve damage
• liver and/or kidney damage
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• hair loss
• rash
• weakness or pain in your muscles
• rhabdomyolysis, where irregular muscle breakdown can lead to kidney problems
• absence of menstrual periods, or painful periods
• reduced or eliminated sperm count

What should I do if I get colchicine side effects?

If you get side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse immediately. Even mild side effects of colchicine could indicate a serious problem.

You may also wish to report any side effects you get to the Yellow Card Scheme by going to www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Reporting can help improve our understanding of possible colchicine side effects.

How long do colchicine side effects last?

The type, duration, and severity of potential side effects of colchicine will depend on the individual. Remember, if you experience even mild side effects of colchicine you should seek immediate medical attention.

Colchicine might not be suitable for everyone due to certain medications and conditions that can interact with it, potentially making it unsafe or less effective. If you are unsure whether colchicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Do not take colchicine tablets if you:

• are allergic to colchicine or any other ingredients listed on the packaging or leaflet
• are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
• are a woman of childbearing age, except where you are using effective contraception
• have a severe blood disorder
• have severe kidney or liver problems
• are being treated with haemodialysis

If you have liver or kidney problems, carefully read the information in the colchicine patient information leaflet, as some medications you may be taking can interact with colchicine in serious and potentially life-threatening ways. Our doctors will check your full medical history before prescribing colchicine for the first time, but you should let them know straight away about any changes in your health or medication.

Medications that can interact with colchicine

Certain medications can interact with colchicine, which could increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the drug. These include, but are not limited to:

• certain types of antibiotics: like clarithromycin and erythromycin
• cyclosporine: a medication used in organ transplants
• heart medications such as verapamil and diltiazem

If you are taking any of the above, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking colchicine.

For a comprehensive list of medications that may interact with colchicine, please refer to the colchicine patient information leaflet. If you are not sure if colchicine is safe for you to take, consult your doctor first.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can interact with colchicine. Do not consume grapefruit if you are taking colchicine.

If colchicine is not suitable for you, there are several alternative medications that you can use to treat gout. These medications can either reduce inflammation and pain or help prevent future gout attacks. Some of the options listed below may not be suitable for you. Consult with Superdrug Online Doctor to determine the most appropriate gout treatment for your needs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These include drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. NSAIDs can provide fast relief from gout pain for some people by reducing inflammation.

Allopurinol or Febuxostat

Allopurinol and Febuxostat are 2different medications commonly prescribed for chronic gout. They help to reduce or block the production of uric acid in your body, and this can help to prevent future gout attacks.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids might be prescribed to reduce gout inflammation in severe or persistent cases. They may be delivered as an injection into the affected area joint, or as a pill.