Colcrys – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Colcrys (generic name: Colchicine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of gout in adults, and to treat a genetic condition known as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children who are at least four years old. Gout is determined by sudden, severe pain in the joints, which is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. On the other hand, FMF is a condition that causes fever, pain, and swelling of the lungs, joints, and stomach.

Colcrys belongs to a class of medicines known as anti-gout agents, which works by influencing the way the body responds to uric acid crystals, thus decreasing swelling and pain. It comes in the form of oral tablets that can be taken with or without food. Colcrys is the only brand of colchicine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of 2009. Generic forms of colchicine have been used for the treatment or prevention of attacks of gout, or for the treatment of symptoms Behcet’s syndrome, such as swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. However, Colcrys is not a cure for gouty arthritis or Behcet’s syndrome. It will also not prevent these conditions from progressing.

Colcrys can interact with other medications, which can result in harmful effects. It should also not be taken by people who are allergic to colchicine or those who have liver or kidney disease.

Known side effects of Colcrys

The common side effects of Colcrys include the following:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Stomach cramps or stomach pain
Vomiting

Colcrys can also cause serious side effects that will need immediate medical attention. These include:

Blood in the urine
Fatigue
Muscle pain or weakness
Numbness of the fingers or toes
Paleness or grayness of the lips, tongue, or palms
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
Symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may include hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Weakness

Body systems that may be harmed by Colcrys

The body systems commonly harmed by Colcrys include the following:

Digestive system, as it commonly causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
Respiratory system, as it commonly causes pharyngolaryngeal pain

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Colcrys’ side effects

The following food items may prevent and treat diarrhea, which is a common side effect of Colcrys:

Apple juice
Applesauce
Buttermilk
Caraway tea
Chamomile tea
Clear broth
Honey
Orange peel tea
Rice
Vinegar water

Treatments, management plans for Colcrys’ side effects

The following natural remedies can help treat diarrhea, a common side effect of Colcrys:

Hydration – Diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration, which can be fatal. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoid alcohol, milk, soda, and other carbonated or caffeinated drinks.
Probiotics – Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that work in the intestines to create a healthy gut environment. Foods that contain probiotics include kefir, kimchi, natto, pickles, and dark chocolate.

Where to learn more

Summary

Colcrys (generic name: colchicine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of gout in adults and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children who are at least four years old.

Colcrys belongs to a class of medicines known as anti-gout agents, which works by influencing the way the body responds to uric acid crystals.

Colcrys commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps or stomach pain, and vomiting.

Colcrys also causes serious side effects, such as blood in the urine, fatigue, muscle pain, numbness of the fingers or toes, paleness of the lips, tongue, or palms, severe vomiting or diarrhea, sore throat, allergic reactions, unusual bleeding or bruising, and weakness.

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