Indications
The active ingredient of the drug is colchicine, an anti-gout agent that does not affect uric acid metabolism. The drug is recommended for the treatment and prevention of gout attacks, familial Mediterranean fever, Behcet’s disease, and other acute attacks of microcrystalline arthritis.
Contraindications
Do not take the drug if:
You are allergic (hypersensitive) to colchicine or any other ingredients of this drug.
You suffer from severe kidney disease (severe kidney dysfunction).
You suffer from severe liver disease (severe liver dysfunction).
You are being treated with antibiotics such as pristinamycin or macrolide antibiotics (except spiramycin).
If you are unsure whether any of the above apply to you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage and administration
Always take this medication exactly as recommended by the leaflet, your doctor, or your pharmacist.
If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Method of administration
For oral use.
It is recommended to take the medication with food.
The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
Recommended doses
Acute gout attack
The daily dose of Colchicine Opocalcium should be distributed throughout the day, ensuring that no more than 1 mg of colchicine (1 tablet) is taken at once. Colchicine is most effective when taken as early as possible after the onset of the attack. In this case, on the first day of treatment, the drug is taken in a dose of 1 mg to 2 mg. On the following days, 1 mg of colchicine should be taken (in the absence of overdose risk factors).
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe higher doses.
Never exceed the following doses:
3 mg of colchicine on the first day (e.g., divided into equal doses of 1 mg, 3 times per day).
2 mg of colchicine on the second and third days (e.g., divided into equal doses of 1 mg, 2 times per day).
1 mg of colchicine on the fourth and subsequent days.
If you experience diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately — the dose may need to be reduced or the treatment suspended.
Prevention of gout flare-ups/other acute microcrystalline arthritis attacks/Behcet’s disease:
The recommended dose is 1 mg of colchicine per day.
If diarrhea occurs, reduce the dose of colchicine to 0.5 mg (half a tablet).
Familial Mediterranean fever:
The recommended dose for adults is 1 mg to 2 mg of colchicine per day.
Your doctor may increase the dose in increments of 0.5 mg (half a tablet) up to a maximum of 2 mg of colchicine per day, depending on clinical and laboratory response.
The recommended dose for children and adolescents is 0.5 mg to 2 mg of colchicine per day (from half a tablet to 2 tablets), divided into one or two doses. The dose is adjusted according to age and clinical response. Dose increases can only be made by a doctor. Please consult your doctor about any questions regarding the use or dosage of this medication.
Side effects
Like all medications, Colchicine Opocalcium may cause unwanted reactions, although not everyone will experience them.
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking colchicine tablets and contact your doctor immediately:
Gastrointestinal disturbances (such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), symptoms of liver damage.
In very rare cases, the following may occur:
Hives, rash.
Blood disorders.
As well as azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen) and neuromuscular disorders, which are reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.
If during treatment you notice significant diarrhea (watery stools more than 3 times per day), contact your doctor immediately. Dose reduction or treatment suspension may be necessary.
