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Colcrys Side Effects
In clinical studies that looked at potential side effects of Colcrys, commonly reported reactions included diarrhea, throat pain, and nausea. However, Colcrys was generally well tolerated, and most people were able to take it without any problems. In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms such as numbness, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhea.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Colcrys® (colchicine). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Colcrys. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Colcrys has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, two different dosages of Colcrys were compared to a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). This allowed researchers to find differences between the two different dosages and also between Colcrys and the placebo. The high dose used in the study is an older dosing regimen that is no longer recommended; the lower dosage is the currently recommended amount.
The most common side effects of low-dose Colcrys included:
- Diarrhea -- in up to 23 percent of people
- Nausea -- up to 4 percent
- Throat pain -- up to 3 percent
- Fatigue -- up to 1 percent
- Headaches -- up to 1 percent.
These percentages are quite a bit lower than those that occurred with high-dose Colcrys.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD