Understanding Colchicine

Precautions

Patients must review their medical history with a doctor before taking colchicine. This medication is often unsafe for individuals with liver or kidney disease! Other medical issues that cause problems with this medication are heart and digestive system problems. Pregnant women and those who breastfeed cannot take this medication either! In fact, women are typically prescribed this medication only when they are using contraception. Men taking this medication often deal with reduced fertility. Patients with blood problems often cannot take colchicine. These issues include low white or red blood cells, low platelets, and bone marrow function problems! Patients with these issues are at a much higher risk of bruising when they take this medication! Their infection risk increases as well.

Patients need regular blood tests while they take this medication. They also have to avoid sick individuals when they deal with side effects like a decrease in white blood cells or platelets. These individuals also have to stop playing contact sports! Another major precaution is to stop eating grapefruit. Drinking grapefruit juice is also not allowed. This is because grapefruit increases colchicine in the patient's body. Ultimately, this increases side effects! Thankfully, patients have the ability to take this medication with some food or without food. Of course, taking it with food reduces discomfort in their stomach!

Uncover information on the medication interactions next.