Colchicine

Medically Reviewed by Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 21, 2022

Side Effects


What are colchicine (Colcrys) side effects?

Common side effects of colchicine include gastrointestinal symptoms. Please tell your doctor if these adverse effects are severe or do not go away after a few days.

  •  Nausea
  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Stomach pain or stomach cramps

Colchicine can cause serious adverse events in some people. Please call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Weakness, tiredness

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Muscle pain or weakness

  • Numbness or tingling 

  • Sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection

  • Pale or gray lips, tongue, palms

Taking colchicine can lead to a decrease in fertility in men. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern for you.

A serious allergic reaction to colchicine is rare, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue.

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of colchicine. Contact your doctor if you have severe adverse effects or your symptoms are worsening. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Colchicine overdose: In case of a known or suspected overdose, get emergency medical help right away, call your local poison control center, or call the national poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of an overdose of colchicine may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding, slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, pale or gray lips, tongue, or palms, and symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, and sore throat.

 Source: FDA