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  5. Colchicine (marketed as Colcrys) Information
  1. Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers

Colchicine (marketed as Colcrys) Information

 

In October 2009, FDA approved Colcrys for the prophylaxis of gout flares. For full product information see Drugs@FDA

 

FDA ALERT [07-30-09]: FDA has now approved the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product, Colcrys, for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and acute gout flares.  Oral colchicine has been used for many years as an unapproved drug with no FDA-approved prescribing information, dosage recommendations, or drug interaction warnings.

During the drug application review, FDA identified two previously uncharacterized safety concerns associated with the use of colchicine (marketed as Colcrys).

First, FDA analyzed safety data for colchicine from adverse events reported to the Agency, the published literature, and company-sponsored pharmacokinetic and drug interaction studies. This analysis revealed cases of fatal colchicine toxicity reported in certain patients taking standard therapeutic doses of colchicine and concomitant medications that interact with colchicine, such as clarithromycin. These reports suggest that drug interactions affecting the gastrointestinal absorption and/or hepatic metabolism of colchicine play a central role in the development of colchicine toxicity.

Second, data submitted supporting the safety and efficacy of Colcrys in acute gout flares demonstrated that a substantially lower dose of colchicine was as effective as the higher dose traditionally used. Moreover, patients receiving the lower dose experienced significantly fewer adverse events compared to the higher dose.

Based on this information, FDA is highlighting important safety considerations found in the approved prescribing information to assure safe use of Colcrys.

FDA recommends:

  • Healthcare professionals not use P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients with renal or hepatic impairment who are currently taking colchicine. 
  • Healthcare professionals consider a dose reduction or interruption of colchicine treatment in patients with normal renal and hepatic function if treatment with a P-gp or a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is required.
  • Healthcare professionals prescribe the FDA-approved Colcrys dose for the treatment of acute gout flares: 1.2 mg followed by 0.6mg in 1 hour (total 1.8mg).
  • Healthcare professionals refer to Colcrys’ approved prescribing information for specific dosing recommendations and additional drug interaction information.
  • Patients review the Medication Guide for important safety information

To report any unexpected adverse or serious events associated with the use of this drug, please contact the FDA MedWatch program using the information at the bottom of this page.

 

Information

Labeling and Regulatory History from Drugs@FDA

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