Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses and mechanism of action of Colcrys as follows:
- Uric acid is a by-product of purine (which is a kind of protein) breakdown in the body. Increasing amounts of uric acid also form in the body, secondary to consumption of foods rich in purines.
- Uric acid produced in the body is usually completely excreted in the urine. But, if uric acid is produced so much in excess that kidneys cannot clear it in the urine, this extra uric acid can form crystals and get deposited in the body.
- Deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints lead to inflammation of the joints, swelling, and development of gouty arthritis. Deposition of uric acid crystals in renal tissues can result in development of uric acid renal stones, acute pain in the flanks, and obstruction to urine flow and retention of urine.
- Inflammatory white blood cells, such as, neutrophils and eosinophils, have granules in them containing inflammatory mediators. Migration of inflammatory white blood cells to the inflamed joint tissues and consequent release of the inflammatory mediators from the granules is an important component of inflammatory response, involving the various joints affected by gout.
- Colcrys is a medication that inhibits the migration of inflammatory cells to the inflamed joints. Consequently, Colcrys also prevents the release of inflammatory mediators from the granules.
- This inhibition of migration of inflammatory cells and inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators into the various joint tissues, contribute to relief from symptoms of acute inflammation.
- Reduced inflammation in the joints contribute to relief of pain and swelling in the joints and prevent development of gouty arthritis.
