Colchicine

What are Colchicine Tablets?

Colchicine is an anti-gout agent that reduces painful inflammation inside the joints caused by crystals of uric acid. When taken daily, Colchicine tablets can both prevent and treat flare-ups of gout, offering noticeable improvements within just 24 hours.

Colchicine tablets are suitable for most adults over the age of 18 years. Each bottle contains twelve 500 microgram strength tablets.

What is Colchicine used for?

Colchicine is used to treat Gout, which is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, extremely painful inflammation, usually in just one joint, most commonly the big toe. Gout is caused by a build of uric acid, consumed through your diet, inside the body that then builds up and crystallizes inside the joints.

Symptoms of Gout include:

• Sudden, intense joint pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat

If you are unsure if you are suffering from Gout you should see a doctor who will be able to offer an appropriate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

How does Colchicine work?

Colchicine is effective in preventing and treating flare-ups of gout. It helps to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body, breaking down the crystals in the joints that are responsible for the intense pain and swelling associated with gout.

How quickly does Colchicine work?

Colchicine is an incredibly quick treatment option for easing pain and discomfort caused by gout. It begins to break down the uric acid in your body within 30 minutes – 2 hours and most people will feel noticeable relief from their condition within 1 – 2 days.

Alternatives to Colchicine

For some people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can offer adequate relief from gout. It is also recommended that if you suffer from flare-ups of gout that you make certain changes to your lifestyle to help reduce the frequency and severity of these flare-ups.

Making the following changes are recommended:

• Eat a healthy diet that avoids foods such as red meat, organ meat, seafood, that are triggers of gout.
• Try to lose some weight and get involved in low impact exercise such as swimming, walking or cycling. This will relieve some of the pressure on your joints.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.

If you would like help and support with any of the following changes you should speak to your doctor for advice. They will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate services.

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