Colchicine (Systemic)

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking this medicine immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain

If any of these side effects continue for 3 hours or longer after you have stopped taking colchicine, check with your doctor .

Also, check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; difficulty in breathing when exercising; fever with or without chills; headache; large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, and/or tongue; pinpoint red spots on skin; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness

Signs and symptoms of overdose

Burning feeling in the stomach, throat, or skin; diarrhea (severe or bloody); nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting (severe)

Note:

These side effects are usually the first signs of an overdose of colchicine tablets. They are not likely to occur when too much colchicine has been given by injection. Other signs and symptoms that may occur after an overdose of either the tablets or the injection include bleeding; fast, shallow breathing; convulsions (seizures); fever; and very severe muscle weakness. An overdose of colchicine can cause damage to the blood, heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs, and muscles.

The following side effects may occur after an injection of colchicine. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following occur at or near the place of injection:

Rare

Burning, ``crawling,'" or tingling feeling in the skin; pain; peeling of skin; redness; swelling; tenderness

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Muscle weakness; numbness in fingers or toes (usually mild); skin rash or hives

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. However, check with your doctor if either of the following side effects continues or is bothersome:

Less common

Loss of appetite

With long-term use

Loss of hair

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.