Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking colcrys as follows:
- Many other medications, such as, antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, cholesterol lowering drugs, can influence the metabolism of colcrys in the body. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice along with colcrys, as it can also influence the metabolism of colcrys in the body. Slowdown of colcrys metabolism can contribute towards accumulation of the drug in the body, thus leading to development of toxic side-effects. If you are being newly started on colcrys, discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications and their safety with colcrys. Also, notify your physician regarding any current colcrys intake, if you are being started on any new medications and discuss their safety with colcrys.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for a low-purine diet. Compliance with low-purine diet can reduce production of uric acid in the body and thus complement the therapeutic benefit of colcrys intake.
- Observe compliance with recommendation on fluid intake. Compliance with atleast 2.5 liters of water/fluid intake every day can help eliminate uric acid from the body and prevent deposition of uric acid crystals in the body tissues, thus complementing therapeutic benefit of colcrys intake. If you are placed on any fluid limitations, consult your doctor for any further suggestions.
