Can colchicine be taken long-term?
Disease description:
I have suffered from gout for several years. Every time I have a flare-up, my joints are unbearably painful. Whenever a flare-up occurs, I take colchicine. However, I've heard that many medications are not good for the body when taken long-term. Therefore, I would like to ask whether colchicine can be taken long-term.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Whether colchicine can be taken long-term depends on the specific circumstances:
1. Treatment purpose: If used to prevent recurrent gout attacks and no serious side effects occur, colchicine can be taken long-term.
2. Side effects: Long-term use of colchicine may cause various harms, including gastrointestinal damage (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), liver damage (may induce jaundice), kidney damage (may cause proteinuria), skin damage (may cause allergies), and mental health effects (may lead to depression).
3. Precautions: During colchicine treatment, close attention should be paid to the body's response. If severe side effects occur, the medication should be discontinued immediately and medical attention sought.
