Do you have gout? Then you probably know all too well about that sudden, severe, burning pain, redness, and swelling that occurs in the big toe or any other joint. Sometimes this pain is so severe that even the bedsheet is too painful to bear. So, when you have such severe gouty arthritis, a powerful drug that doctors use to quickly control it is called Colchicine. But this is given as a pill, and in some cases, as an injection. Today we are talking about this Colchicine injection.
What exactly is this Colchicine vaccine?
Simply put, Colchicine is a medication that is used to treat the sudden, severe joint pain and swelling caused by gout. Gout occurs when a chemical called uric acid builds up in the body and its crystals deposit in the joints. These crystals cause inflammation in the joints, causing severe pain. Colchicine works by controlling the activity of white blood cells that cause this inflammation, quickly reducing pain and swelling.
The most important thing is that this is not a painkiller. This is a medication that works specifically for gout. It is also not usually given for joint pain caused by other causes.
Things you should tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
This is very important. Because colchicine is a powerful drug, your doctor needs to have a complete picture of your health. If you have any of the following conditions, tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Health condition/problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood-related diseases | Conditions such as anemia, cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, and low blood platelets. |
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Heart disease | Be aware of any type of heart disease. |
| Digestive system problems | If you have stomach ulcers or other intestinal diseases. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to colchicine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is definitely something to mention. |
How is this vaccine given?
This is not a vaccine that you can take home. Colchicine vaccine is only given into a vein in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse . Therefore, you are not responsible for it.
You should talk to your pediatrician about giving this medication to children, as special care may be required.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed on the medicine, you should immediately report it to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Not every medicine, vitamin, or herbal remedy you take will interact with colchicine. Some medications can have dangerous side effects when taken with colchicine.
Be especially careful: Colchicine should never be taken with certain medications, such as itraconazole, which is used to treat fungal infections.
In addition, colchicine may interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. atorvastatin)
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Some medications for HIV
- Some drugs for cancer
This list is not complete. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Medical supervision: When you are given this medicine, the medical team will monitor your condition very carefully.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can worsen stomach problems and gout pain, so avoid alcohol completely while taking this treatment.
- Pregnancy: This medication can cause serious side effects in a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. So if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
- Vitamin B12: Long-term use of colchicine can cause low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you take, and if necessary, get advice on eating more foods containing vitamin B12 or taking a supplement.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, colchicine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. See the table below.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor or nurse immediately. | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat. |
| Bleeding | Unusual bleeding and bruising of the skin, even from a minor injury. |
| Nerve and muscle problems | Numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness. |
| Other serious symptoms | Feeling unusually tired, vomiting, pain at the injection site. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor features | Hair loss, muscle pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please inform your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Colchicine injection is a powerful medication that is only given in a hospital for severe gout pain.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor completely about all medical conditions you have (especially liver, kidney, heart, and blood diseases) and all medications you are taking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or numbness in your limbs.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is imperative that you discuss this medication with your doctor before taking it.
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