Colchicine is the preferred treatment for acute gout arthritis. Colchicine is a gout medication used to prevent and ease gout attacks. Colchicine is an alkaloid derived from the dried seeds of Colchicum autumnale, also known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron. The plant is considered extremely poisonous. The toxicity of the autumn crocus has been known since the times of ancient Greece. During the fifth century, it was used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. The use of the Colchicum alkaloid for the treatment of acute gout dates back to the early 1800s.
Colchicine was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1939. Colchicine is available in two oral strengths - 0.5 mg and 0.6 mg tablets. Colchicine is also available intravenously, but there is potential for serious toxicity when the drug is given intravenously or by injection. In addition to treating gout, the drug has been used to manage other diseases and conditions including:
- amyloidosis
- Behcet's disease
- Paget's disease
- pseudogout / CPPD
- dermatitis herpetiformis
- familial Mediterranean fever
- pericarditis
- biliary and hepatic cirrhosis
Colchicine safety is essential for gouty arthritis patients. Colchicine safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Colchicine must be taken according to directions. Warnings should be respected. If you are taking the drug, here are 10 Things You Should Know About Colchicine.
Related Resources:
- Guide to Gout
- Fast Facts About Gout
- Test Your Knowledge: Gout
- Gout 101: Free Newsletter E-Course
- How to Treat Gout With Diet and Medication
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Source: Description and Natural History of the Autumn Crocus; Photo by Raoul Vernede
Colchicne was not approved in 1939 by the FDA. In fact colchicine was only recently approved by the FDA under the brand name Colcrys. Patients and most physicians are upset because of the cost increase associated with FDA approval. However, it only takes one review of a letter sent to susnshine pharmaceuticals in 2007 to find out the problem with letting unapproved pharmaceuticals on the market. Sunshine was cited for making colchicine that had both hot and cold spots, meaning each tablet had differing amounts of active ingredient. For my patients I will only use Colcrys rather than poison my them.
I stand corrected. One of my sources must have stated it incorrectly….but this FDA press release explains it. You are correct, colchicine was not FDA approved in 1939 and I have taken that out of my article.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm174620.htm
Thanks for pointing me to the correct info.