According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, colchicine is a drug used to treat or prevent attacks of gout, a condition which produces too much uric acid in the blood. The buildup of uric acid results in painful inflammation of the joints, and while colchicine does not cure this condition, it may help prevent it. Every medication is accompanied by its own set of side effects; you need to be aware of these before choosing the best course of treatment for you.
Common Side Effects
According to the doctors at Mayo Clinic, the most common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. These are side effects which may subside shortly after beginning your treatment.
Serious Side Effects
According to the medical experts at Drugs.com, there are serious side effects you may encounter while taking this medication. They recommend calling your doctor at once if you begin experiencing muscle pain or weakness, notice your lips, tongue or hands turning a pale or grayish color, begin bruising or bleeding easily or begin feeling weak or tired, find blood in your urine or stop urinating completely. You should also report to your doctor if you experience a numbing or tingling sensation in your toes, suffer from severe vomiting or diarrhea or experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or body aches.
Rare Side Effects
There are more rare side effects which hardly ever occur; however if you do experience these, they need to be reported as well. They include black or tarry stools, a burning sensation in your skin, problems breathing when you exercise, headache, any type of bodily pain, peeling of your skin or red pinpoints on your skin, the appearance of white spots or ulcers on your lips or in your mouth, sore throat or blood in your urine or stools.
Signs of Overdose
According to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, an overdose of colchicine can be fatal. Signs of this include bleeding, seizures, fast or shallow breathing, severe nausea, stomach pain or vomiting, a burning feeling in your throat, stomach or skin, severe diarrhea that contains blood and severe muscle weakness.
Signs of Allergic Reaction
This includes swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, the development of a rash or the hives, excessive itching and a tightening of your chest. If you experience any of these, the experts at Drugs.com recommend seeking emergency medical assistance.
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