Like all medicines, colchicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. However, even mild side effects can be a sign of a serious problem.
Serious side effects
If you have any side effects when taking colchicine, stop taking the medicine and get medical help straight away.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if you:
- are feeling or being sick
- have stomach pain
- have diarrhoea
- have a high temperature, swollen mouth, sore throat, bleeding that does not stop, unusual bruising or skin problems, such as red or purple marks on your skin (which may be less obvious on black or brown skin) – these can be signs of a serious problem with your blood
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring all the medicines you take with you.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to colchicine.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of colchicine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.