Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Colchicine as follows:
- Colchicine intake can sometimes result in severe muscle pain from muscle breakdown, with release of muscle protein into the blood. Due to their bigger size, these muscle proteins could get trapped in the kidneys, thus blocking the renal circulation and resulting in severe renal failure and compromised urine formation. Individuals with history of compromised renal function should be extra careful with this side-effect of Colchicine, as they can be at an increased risk than normal population. Individuals can present with compromised renal function, reduced urine formation, and increased retention of fluid, with edema and weight gain due to fluid retention. Individuals can also present with severe nausea and vomiting and altered levels of consciousness, secondary to reduced excretion in urine and increased accumulation of waste metabolites in the body.
- Colchicine is partially metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Colchicine can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, Colchicine use could be avoided or used with caution and possible dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication.
