Many doctors will prescribe Colchicine to help alleviate painful inflammation in the body. Conditions like gout, arthritis, and chronic pain due to inflammatory diseases such as asthma, hepatitis, IBD, severe allergies, and transplant rejection.
Like many prescription medications, as well as various over the counter drugs (OTC), there are a few Colchicine side effects. Not every person who takes this medication will experience a side effect, but it is good to know what could possibly happen to you while taking this medication.
Below are 4 Colchicine side effects that you could possibly experience during the time you are taking this medication.
1. Nausea or Vomiting
Medication-induced nausea or vomiting can be easily identified if the symptoms occur shortly after taking the medications. Taking a prescription drug and a small amount of food, like bread or crackers, should help to correct this side effect.
Always be sure to take this and all your medications with a large glass of water. Water helps to dissolve the outer coating on tablets. This coating is a protective layer that keeps the medication intact during processing and shipping. It is harmless when digested, however, it can cause issues if not completely dissolved. When you do not drink enough water, tablets and capsules can get lodged in the esophagus and cause vomiting or nausea.
2. Diarrhea
Everyone experiences diarrhea at one time or another in their lifetime. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine why you are experiencing this issue. It could be from food, too much alcohol consumption, or it could be from the medication.
The irritation or inflammation of the intestinal tract could be a result of different issues. Genetics, food allergies, and toxins that can be airborne or on fresh foods can become irritants within the intestines and cause diarrhea.
It is important to stay hydrated at all times, but especially drink more water when you are experiencing diarrhea. If you have this condition for more than four days and are taking Colchicine, contact your doctor.
3. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Medication is only one cause of abdominal pain and cramping. This side effect usually does not last and will subside and disappear after about an hour. Try taking the medication with more water first. If this does not help the pain, or if the pain starts out small and grows, you may have other issues.
If you seek medical advice from your primary doctor, be sure to tell them the medications you are taking to rule them out. Other causes of abdominal pain could be Chron’s disease, IBS, food allergies, or muscle strains.
4. Allergic Reaction
Although rare, an individual could experience signs of an allergic reaction to Colchicine. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling in the face, tongue, or throat; rash; itching; dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.
