Have you been prescribed Colchicine liquid? Let's be clear about this medicine.

Has your doctor prescribed you a liquid medicine called Colchicine to control the severe joint pain caused by gout ? If so, there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medicine. Perhaps looking at the medicine sheet, you may be wondering what kind of medicine this is, how to use it, and what precautions you need to take. Don't worry, today we will talk about this medicine simply, in a way that you can understand well.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, Colchicine is a medication that is given to prevent the painful conditions caused by gout . Did you know that gout occurs when a chemical called uric acid in the body builds up in the joints, causing them to swell, become red, and cause severe pain?

Now, what this Colchicine medicine does is reduce the swelling, or inflammation, in those joints and control the deposition of uric acid. This gives you relief from the pain of gout . Doctors can also recommend this for other medical conditions.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely inform your doctor before starting to use colchicine.

• Kidney diseases: If you have any kidney weakness or disease.
• Liver diseases: If there is any problem with liver function.
• Allergies: If you have ever had an allergy to colchicine or any other medicine, food, or clinic.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or expecting a baby in the near future.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Providing this information to your doctor is very important for your safety, because it is based on that information that the doctor will determine the dosage of the medicine you will be prescribed and the time for which the medicine will be given.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.

• This is a liquid medicine, so it must be taken by mouth.
• Take the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. It is best if you can take it at the same time of day.
• Use only the special oral syringe, measuring spoon, or dropper that your doctor gives you to measure your medicine. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not measure accurately, which could result in you getting more or less of the dose.
• This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience any stomach discomfort, it is best to take it with food.
• Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
• If you are over 65 , a lower dose is usually prescribed because the way your body responds to medications can change with age.
• Special care is required if this medicine is given to children. Your doctor will advise you on this.

What to do if the medication dose is increased?

If you think you've taken too much medication, don't delay. There are two things you should do right away:

1. Call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .

2. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

It is very important to act quickly at a time like this.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Colchicine is a drug that can interact with some other medications and foods. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications you take, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• Medical tests: Go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to monitor your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
• Vitamin B12: You need to make sure that your body gets enough vitamin B12 while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you take.
• Bleeding: This medicine may slightly increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or easy bruising.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, colchicine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other discomfort, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you store the medicine?

Storing medicine properly is also very important.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Keep at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
• Throw away expired medication.