Generic name:colchicine [ KOL-chi-seen ]
Brand names: Colcrys, Mitigare
Drug class:Antigout agents
What is Colcrys?
Colcrys affects the way the body responds to uric acid crystals, which reduces swelling and pain.
Because colchicine was developed prior to federal regulations requiring FDA review of all marketed drug products, not all uses for colchicine have been approved by the FDA. As of 2009, Colcrys is the only brand of colchicine that has been approved by the FDA.
The Colcrys brand of colchicine is FDA-approved to treat gout in adults, and to treat a genetic condition called Familial Mediterranean Fever in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Generic forms of colchicine have been used to treat or prevent attacks of gout, or to treat symptoms of Behcets syndrome (such as swelling, redness, warmth, and pain).
Colcrys is not a cure for gouty arthritis or Behcets syndrome, and it will not prevent these diseases from progressing. Colcrys should not be used as a routine pain medication for other conditions.
Warnings
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Colcrys. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
Before taking Colcrys, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, a stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal bleeding, or any other severe gastrointestinal disorder.
If you take Colcrys over a long period of time, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as muscle pain or weakness...
