Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Colchicine.
Blood counts: Sandoz Colchicine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Digestive system: If you have severe conditions affecting the digestive system such as peptic ulcer or spastic colon, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Colchicine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Colchicine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Colchicine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Colchicine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney disease: Decreased kidney function or kidney disease can cause Sandoz Colchicine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Colchicine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Colchicine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lower or less frequent doses of colchicine may be needed.
Liver disease: Decreased liver function or liver disease can cause Sandoz Colchicine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Colchicine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Colchicine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you are taking colchicine and notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or pale stools, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Muscle effects: In rare cases, serious muscle pain, cramps, and weakness have been associated with the use of colchicine. If you experience symptoms of muscle breakdown, such as generalized weakness, muscle pain, brown or discoloured urine, and a general feeling of being unwell, with or without fever, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Sandoz Colchicine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Colchicine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Sandoz Colchicine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking colchicine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Colchicine may be used by adolescents older than 12 years of age to treat FMF. The safety and effectiveness of using Sandoz Colchicine to treat gouty arthritis for children under 18 years of age have not been determined; it should not be used for that purpose.
Seniors: Colchicine may be more likely to cause side effects for seniors due to decreased ability to clear the medication from the body through the liver and kidneys.
