Colcrys

Colchicine · Tablet, Film Coated · Oral

Prescription (Rx) Alkaloid

Uses

(colchicine, USP) tablets are an alkaloid indicated for:
• Prophylaxis and treatment of gout flares in adults ( 1.1 ).
• Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children 4 years or older ( 1.2 ). COLCRYS is not an analgesic medication and should not be used to treat pain from other causes. 1.1 Gout Flares COLCRYS (colchicine, USP) tablets are indicated for prophylaxis and the treatment of acute gout flares.
• Prophylaxis of Gout Flares: COLCRYS is indicated for prophylaxis of gout flares.
• Treatment of Gout Flares: COLCRYS tablets are indicated for treatment of acute gout flares when taken at the first sign of a flare. 1.2 Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) COLCRYS (colchicine, USP) tablets are indicated in adults and children 4 years or older for treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Dosage and administration

The long-term use of colchicine is established for FMF and the prophylaxis of gout flares, but the safety and efficacy of repeat treatment for gout flares has not been evaluated. The dosing regimens for COLCRYS are different for each indication and must be individualized. The recommended dosage of COLCRYS depends on the patient's age, renal function, hepatic function and use of coadministered drugs [ see Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs (2.4) ]. COLCRYS tablets are administered orally without regard to meals. COLCRYS is not an analgesic medication and should not be used to treat pain from other causes.
• Gout Flares: Prophylaxis of Gout Flares: 0.6 mg once or twice daily in adults and adolescents older than 16 years of age ( 2.1 ). Maximum dose 1.2 mg/day. Treatment of Gout Flares: 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of a gout flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later ( 2.1 ).
• FMF: Adults and children older than 12 years 1.2 – 2.4 mg; children 6 to 12 years 0.9 – 1.8 mg; children 4 to 6 years 0.3 – 1.8 mg ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). o Give total daily dose in one or two divided doses ( 2.2 ). o Increase or decrease the dose as indicated and as tolerated in increments of 0.3 mg/day, not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose ( 2.2 ). Colchicine tablets are administered orally without regard to meals. See full prescribing information for dose adjustment regarding patients with impaired renal function ( 2.5 ), impaired hepatic function ( 2.6 ), the patient's age ( 2.3 , 8.5 ) or use of coadministered drugs ( 2.4 ). 2.1 Gout Flares Prophylaxis of Gout Flares The recommended dosage of COLCRYS for prophylaxis of gout flares for adults and adolescents older than 16 years of age is 0.6 mg once or twice daily. The maximum recommended dose for prophylaxis of gout flares is 1.2 mg/day. An increase in gout flares may occur after initiation of uric acid-lowering therapy, including pegloticase, febuxostat and allopurinol, due to changing serum uric acid levels resulting in mobilization of urate from tissue deposits. COLCRYS is recommended upon initiation of gout flare prophylaxis with uric acid-lowering therapy. Prophylactic therapy may be beneficial for at least the first six months of uric acid-lowering therapy. Treatment of Gout Flares The recommended dose of COLCRYS for treatment of a gout flare is 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of the flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later. Higher doses have not been found to be more effective. The maximum recommended dose for treatment of gout flares is 1.8 mg over a one hour period. COLCRYS may be administered for treatment of a gout flare during prophylaxis at doses not to exceed 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of the flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later. Wait 12 hours and then resume the prophylactic dose. 2.2 FMF The recommended dosage of COLCRYS for FMF in adults is 1.2 mg to 2.4 mg daily. COLCRYS should be increased as needed to control disease and as tolerated in increments of 0.3 mg/day to a maximum recommended daily dose. If intolerable side effects develop, the dose should be decreased in increments of 0.3 mg/day. The total daily COLCRYS dose may be administered in one to two divided doses. 2.3 Recommended Pediatric Dosage Prophylaxis and Treatment of Gout Flares COLCRYS is not recommended for pediatric use in prophylaxis or treatment of gout flares. FMF The recommended dosage of COLCRYS for FMF in pediatric patients 4 years of age and older is based on age. The following daily doses may be given as a single or divided dose twice daily:
• Children 4 to 6 years: 0.3 mg to 1.8 mg daily
• Children 6 to 12 years: 0.9 mg to 1.8 mg daily
• Adolescents older than 12 years: 1.2 mg to 2.4 mg daily 2.4 Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs Concomitant Therapy Coadministration of COLCRYS with drugs known to inhibit CYP3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) increases the risk of colchicine-induced toxic effects ( Table 1 ). If patients are taking or have recently completed treatment with drugs listed in Table 1 within the prior 14 days, the dose adjustments are as shown in the table below [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Table 1 COLCRYS Dose Adjustment for Coadministration with Interacting Drugs if no Alternative Available For magnitude of effect on colchicine plasma concentrations [ see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors 2 Drug Noted or Anticipated Outcome Gout Flares FMF Prophylaxis of Gout Flares Treatment of Gout Flares Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Atazanavir Clarithromycin Darunavir/ Ritonavir When used in combination with Ritonavir, see dosing recommendations for strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [ see Contraindications (4) ] Indinavir Itraconazole Ketoconazole Lopinavir/ Ritonavir Nefazodone Nelfinavir Ritonavir Saquinavir Telithromycin Tipranavir/ Ritonavir Significant increase in colchicine plasma levels ; fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported with clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Similarly, significant increase in colchicine plasma levels is anticipated with other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day 1.2 mg (2 tablets) followed by 0.6 mg (1 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. 0.6 mg (1 tablet) × 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days.

Dosage forms and strengths

0.6 mg tablets — purple capsule-shaped, film-coated with “AR 374” debossed on one side and scored on the other side.
• 0.6 mg tablets ( 3 ).

Contraindications

Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given COLCRYS in conjunction with P-gp or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (this includes all protease inhibitors except fosamprenavir). In these patients, life-threatening and fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported with colchicine taken in therapeutic doses. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given COLCRYS in conjunction with P-gp or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ( 5.3 ). In these patients, life-threatening and fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported with colchicine taken in therapeutic doses ( 7 ).

Warnings and precautions

• Fatal overdoses have been reported with colchicine in adults and children. Keep COLCRYS out of the reach of children ( 5.1 , 10 ).
• Blood dyscrasias: myelosuppression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia have been reported ( 5.2 ).
• Monitor for toxicity and if present consider temporary interruption or discontinuation of colchicine ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 , 6 , 10 ).
• Drug interaction P-gp and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors: Coadministration of colchicine with P-gp and/or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has resulted in life-threatening interactions and death ( 5.3 , 7 ).
• Neuromuscular toxicity: Myotoxicity including rhabdomyolysis may occur, especially in combination with other drugs known to cause this effect. Consider temporary interruption or discontinuation of COLCRYS ( 5.4 , 7 ). 5.1 Fatal Overdose Fatal overdoses, both accidental and intentional, have been reported in adults and children who have ingested colchicine [ see Overdosage (10) ]. COLCRYS should be kept out of the reach of children. 5.2 Blood Dyscrasias Myelosuppression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia and aplastic anemia have been reported with colchicine used in therapeutic doses. 5.3 Drug Interactions Colchicine is a P-gp and CYP3A4 substrate. Life-threatening and fatal drug interactions have been reported in patients treated with colchicine given with P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If treatment with a P-gp or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is required in patients with normal renal and hepatic function, the patient's dose of colchicine may need to be reduced or interrupted [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Use of COLCRYS in conjunction with P-gp or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (this includes all protease inhibitors except fosamprenavir) is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment [ see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.4 Neuromuscular Toxicity Colchicine-induced neuromuscular toxicity and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with chronic treatment in therapeutic doses. Patients with renal dysfunction and elderly patients, even those with normal renal and hepatic function, are at increased risk. Concomitant use of atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid or benzafibrate (themselves associated with myotoxicity) or cyclosporine with COLCRYS may potentiate the development of myopathy [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Once colchicine is stopped, the symptoms generally resolve within one week to several months.

Side effects

Prophylaxis of Gout Flares: The most commonly reported adverse reaction in clinical trials for the prophylaxis of gout was diarrhea. Treatment of Gout Flares: The most common adverse reactions reported in the clinical trial for gout were diarrhea (23%) and pharyngolaryngeal pain (3%). FMF: Most common adverse reactions (up to 20%) are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These effects are usually mild, transient and reversible upon lowering the dose ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. at 1-877-825-3327 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Prophylaxis of Gout Flares The most commonly reported adverse reaction in clinical trials of colchicine for the prophylaxis of gout was diarrhea. Treatment of Gout Flares The most common adverse reactions reported in the clinical trial with COLCRYS for treatment of gout flares were diarrhea (23%) and pharyngolaryngeal pain (3%). FMF Gastrointestinal tract adverse effects are the most frequent side effects in patients initiating COLCRYS, usually presenting within 24 hours, and occurring in up to 20% of patients given therapeutic doses. Typical symptoms include cramping, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. These events should be viewed as dose-limiting if severe, as they can herald the onset of more significant toxicity. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Gout Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying and controlled conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with a gout flare, gastrointestinal adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients using the recommended dose (1.8 mg over one hour) of COLCRYS compared to 77% of patients taking a nonrecommended high dose (4.8 mg over six hours) of colchicine and 20% of patients taking placebo. Diarrhea was the most commonly reported drug-related gastrointestinal adverse event. As shown in Table 3, diarrhea is associated with COLCRYS treatment. Diarrhea was more likely to occur in patients taking the high-dose regimen than the low-dose regimen. Severe diarrhea occurred in 19% and vomiting occurred in 17% of patients taking the nonrecommended high-dose colchicine regimen but did not occur in the recommended low-dose COLCRYS regimen. Table 3 Number (%) of Patients with at Least One Drug-Related Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event with an Incidence of ≥ 2% of Patients in Any Treatment Group MedDRA System Organ Class MedDRA Preferred Term COLCRYS Dose Placebo (N=59) n (%) High (N=52) n (%) Low (N=74) n (%) Number of Patients with at Least One Drug-Related TEAE 40 (77) 27 (37) 16 (27) Gastrointestinal Disorders 40 (77) 19 (26) 12 (20) Diarrhea 40 (77) 17 (23) 8 (14) Nausea 9 (17) 3 (4) 3 (5) Vomiting 9 (17) 0 0 Abdominal Discomfort 0 0 2 (3) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions 4 (8) 1 (1) 1 (2) Fatigue 2 (4) 1 (1) 1 (2) Metabolic and Nutrition Disorders 0 3 (4) 2 (3) Gout 0 3 (4) 1 (2) Nervous System Disorders 1 (2) 1 (1.4) 2 (3) Headache 1 (2) 1 (1) 2 (3) Respiratory Thoracic Mediastinal Disorders 1 (2) 2 (3) 0 Pharyngolaryngeal Pain 1 (2) 2 (3) 0 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Serious toxic manifestations associated with colchicine include myelosuppression, disseminated intravascular coagulation and injury to cells in the renal, hepatic, circulatory and central nervous systems. These most often occur with excessive accumulation or overdosage [ see Overdosage (10) ]. The following adverse reactions have been reported with colchicine. These have been generally reversible upon temporarily interrupting treatment or lowering the dose of colchicine. Neurological: sensory motor neuropathy Dermatological: alopecia, maculopapular rash, purpura, rash Digestive: abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, nausea, vomiting Hematological: leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, aplastic anemia Hepatobiliary: elevated AST, elevated ALT Musculoskeletal: myopathy, elevated CPK, myotonia, muscle weakness, muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis Reproductive: azoospermia, oligospermia

Drug interactions

(colchicine) is a substrate of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Of the cytochrome P450 enzymes tested, CYP3A4 was mainly involved in the metabolism of colchicine. If COLCRYS is administered with drugs that inhibit P-gp, most of which also inhibit CYP3A4, increased concentrations of colchicine are likely. Fatal drug interactions have been reported. Physicians should ensure that patients are suitable candidates for treatment with COLCRYS and remain alert for signs and symptoms of toxicities related to increased colchicine exposure as a result of a drug interaction. Signs and symptoms of COLCRYS toxicity should be evaluated promptly and, if toxicity is suspected, COLCRYS should be discontinued immediately. Table 4 provides recommendations as a result of other potentially significant drug interactions. Table 1 provides recommendations for strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors and P-gp inhibitors. Table 4 Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Class or Food Noted or Anticipated Outcome Clinical Comment HMG-Co A Reductase Inhibitors: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin Pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interaction: the addition of one drug to a stable long-term regimen of the other has resulted in myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (including a fatality) P-gp substrate; rhabdomyolysis has been reported Weigh the potential benefits and risks and carefully monitor patients for any signs or symptoms of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly during initial therapy; monitoring CPK (creatine phosphokinase) will not necessarily prevent the occurrence of severe myopathy. Other Lipid-Lowering Drugs: fibrates, gemfibrozil Digitalis Glycosides: digoxin Coadministration of P-gp and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g.,clarithromycin or cyclosporine) have been demonstrated to alter the concentration of colchicine. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. See full prescribing information for a complete list of reported and potential interactions ( 2.4 , 5.3 , 7 ).

Use in specific populations

• In the presence of mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment, adjustment of dosing is not required for treatment of gout flare, prophylaxis of gout flare and FMF, but patients should be monitored closely ( 2.5 , 8.6 ).
• In patients with severe renal impairment for prophylaxis of gout flares, the starting dose should be 0.3 mg/day for gout flares, no dose adjustment is required, but a treatment course should be repeated no more than once every two weeks. In FMF patients, start with 0.3 mg/day, and any increase in dose should be done with close monitoring ( 2.5 , 8.6 ).
• In patients with severe hepatic impairment, a dose reduction may be needed in prophylaxis of gout flares and FMF patients; while a dose reduction may not be needed in gout flares, a treatment course should be repeated no more than once every two weeks ( 2.5 , 2.6 , 8.6 , 8.7 ).
• For patients undergoing dialysis, the total recommended dose for prophylaxis of gout flares should be 0.3 mg given twice a week with close monitoring. For treatment of gout flares, the total recommended dose should be reduced to 0.6 mg (one tablet) × 1 dose and the treatment course should not be repeated more than once every two weeks. For FMF patients, the starting dose should be 0.3 mg/day and dosing can be increased with close monitoring ( 2.5 , 8.6 ).
• Pregnancy: Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus ( 8.1 ).
• Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman ( 8.3 ).
• Geriatric Use: The recommended dose of colchicine should be based on renal function ( 2.5 , 8.5 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with colchicine in pregnant women. Colchicine crosses the human placenta. While not studied in the treatment of gout flares, data from a limited number of published studies found no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or teratogenic effects among pregnant women using colchicine to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Although animal reproductive and developmental studies were not conducted with COLCRYS, published animal reproduction and development studies indicate that colchicine causes embryofetal toxicity, teratogenicity and altered postnatal development at exposures within or above the clinical therapeutic range. COLCRYS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. 8.2 Labor and Delivery The effect of colchicine on labor and delivery is unknown. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Colchicine is excreted into human milk. Limited information suggests that exclusively breastfed infants receive less than 10 percent of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. While there are no published reports of adverse effects in breastfeeding infants of mothers taking colchicine, colchicine can affect gastrointestinal cell renewal and permeability. Caution should be exercised, and breastfeeding infants should be observed for adverse effects when COLCRYS is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of colchicine in children of all ages with FMF has been evaluated in uncontrolled studies. There does not appear to be an adverse effect on growth in children with FMF treated long-term with colchicine. Gout is rare in pediatric patients; safety and effectiveness of colchicine in pediatric patients has not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with colchicine for prophylaxis and treatment of gout flares and for treatment of FMF did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient with gout should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased renal function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs (2.4) and Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . 8.6 Renal Impairment Colchicine is significantly excreted in urine in healthy subjects. Clearance of colchicine is decreased in patients with impaired renal function. Total body clearance of colchicine was reduced by 75% in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis. Prophylaxis of Gout Flares For prophylaxis of gout flares in patients with mild (estimated creatinine clearance Cl cr 50 to 80 mL/min) to moderate (Cl cr 30 to 50 mL/min) renal function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. However, in patients with severe impairment, the starting dose should be 0.3 mg per day and any increase in dose should be done with close monitoring. For the prophylaxis of gout flares in patients undergoing dialysis, the starting doses should be 0.3 mg given twice a week with close monitoring [ see Dose Modification in Renal Impairment (2.5) ]. Treatment of Gout Flares For treatment of gout flares in patients with mild (Cl cr 50 to 80 mL/min) to moderate (Cl cr 30 to 50 mL/min) renal function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of COLCRYS. However, in patients with severe impairment, while the dose does not need to be adjusted for the treatment of gout flares, a treatment course should be repeated no more than once every two weeks. For patients with gout flares requiring repeated courses, consideration should be given to alternate therapy. For patients undergoing dialysis, the total recommended dose for the treatment of gout flares should be reduced to a single dose of 0.6 mg (one tablet). For these patients, the treatment course should not be repeated more than once every two weeks [ see Dose Modification in Renal Impairment (2.5) ].

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with colchicine in pregnant women. Colchicine crosses the human placenta. While not studied in the treatment of gout flares, data from a limited number of published studies found no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or teratogenic effects among pregnant women using colchicine to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Although animal reproductive and developmental studies were not conducted with COLCRYS, published animal reproduction and development studies indicate that colchicine causes embryofetal toxicity, teratogenicity and altered postnatal development at exposures within or above the clinical therapeutic range. COLCRYS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of colchicine in children of all ages with FMF has been evaluated in uncontrolled studies. There does not appear to be an adverse effect on growth in children with FMF treated long-term with colchicine. Gout is rare in pediatric patients; safety and effectiveness of colchicine in pediatric patients has not been established.

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with colchicine for prophylaxis and treatment of gout flares and for treatment of FMF did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient with gout should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased renal function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs (2.4) and Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] .

Overdosage

The exact dose of colchicine that produces significant toxicity is unknown. Fatalities have occurred after ingestion of a dose as low as 7 mg over a four-day period, while other patients have survived after ingesting more than 60 mg. A review of 150 patients who overdosed on colchicine found that those who ingested less than 0.5 mg/kg survived and tended to have milder toxicities such as gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas those who took 0.5 to 0.8 mg/kg had more severe reactions such as myelosuppression. There was 100% mortality in those who ingested more than 0.8 mg/kg. The first stage of acute colchicine toxicity typically begins within 24 hours of ingestion and includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and significant fluid loss, leading to volume depletion. Peripheral leukocytosis may also be seen. Life-threatening complications occur during the second stage, which occurs 24 to 72 hours after drug administration, attributed to multiorgan failure and its consequences. Death is usually a result of respiratory depression and cardiovascular collapse. If the patient survives, recovery of multiorgan injury may be accompanied by rebound leukocytosis and alopecia starting about one week after the initial ingestion. Treatment of colchicine poisoning should begin with gastric lavage and measures to prevent shock. Otherwise, treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is known. Colchicine is not effectively removed by dialysis [ see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ].

Description

Colchicine is an alkaloid chemically described as (S)N- (5,6,7,9-tetrahydro- 1,2,3, 10-tetramethoxy-9-oxobenzo [alpha] heptalen-7-yl) acetamide with a molecular formula of C 22 H 25 NO 6 and a molecular weight of 399.4. The structural formula of colchicine is given below. Colchicine occurs as a pale yellow powder that is soluble in water. COLCRYS (colchicine, USP) tablets are supplied for oral administration as purple, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets (0.1575" × 0.3030"), debossed with “AR 374” on one side and scored on the other, containing 0.6 mg of the active ingredient colchicine USP. Inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, FD&C blue #2, FD&C red #40, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin. Structural Formula of Colchicine

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism by which COLCRYS exerts its beneficial effect in patients with FMF has not been fully elucidated; however, evidence suggests that colchicine may interfere with the intracellular assembly of the inflammasome complex present in neutrophils and monocytes that mediates activation of interleukin-1β. Additionally, colchicine disrupts cytoskeletal functions through inhibition of β-tubulin polymerization into microtubules and consequently prevents the activation, degranulation and migration of neutrophils thought to mediate some gout symptoms.

How supplied

16.1 How Supplied COLCRYS (colchicine, USP) tablets 0.6 mg are purple, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets debossed with “AR 374” on one side and scored on the other side. Bottles of 3 NDC 63187-292-03 16.2 Storage Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. DISPENSE IN TIGHT, LIGHT-RESISTANT CONTAINER.

Storage

16.2 Storage Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. DISPENSE IN TIGHT, LIGHT-RESISTANT CONTAINER.

Patient information

See FDA-approved Medication Guide. 17.1 Dosing Instructions Patients should be advised to take COLCRYS as prescribed, even if they are feeling better. Patients should not alter the dose or discontinue treatment without consulting with their doctor. If a dose of COLCRYS is missed:
• For treatment of a gout flare when the patient is not being dosed for prophylaxis, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• For treatment of a gout flare during prophylaxis, take the missed dose immediately, wait 12 hours, then resume the previous dosing schedule.
• For prophylaxis without treatment for a gout flare, or FMF, take the dose as soon as possible and then return to the normal dosing schedule. However, if a dose is skipped the patient should not double the next dose. 17.2 Fatal Overdose Instruct patient that fatal overdoses, both accidental and intentional, have been reported in adults and children who have ingested colchicine. COLCRYS should be kept out of the reach of children. 17.3 Blood Dyscrasias Patients should be informed that bone marrow depression with agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and thrombocytopenia may occur with COLCRYS. 17.4 Drug and Food Interactions Patients should be advised that many drugs or other substances may interact with COLCRYS and some interactions could be fatal. Therefore, patients should report to their healthcare provider all of the current medications they are taking and check with their healthcare provider before starting any new medications, particularly antibiotics. Patients should also be advised to report the use of nonprescription medication or herbal products. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact and should not be consumed during COLCRYS treatment. 17.5 Neuromuscular Toxicity Patients should be informed that muscle pain or weakness, tingling or numbness in fingers or toes may occur with COLCRYS alone or when it is used with certain other drugs. Patients developing any of these signs or symptoms must discontinue COLCRYS and seek medical evaluation immediately.

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Proficient Rx LP (revised Oct 1, 2022). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Colchicine in 1 product

Colcrys NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
63187-292	Colchicine .6 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated	Proficient Rx LP	NDA

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