Colchicine Oral, Intravenous and Parathyroid hormone

• Generic Name: colchicine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Colcrys, Mitigare

Colchicine is used to prevent or treat attacks of gout (also called gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. An attack of gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks. Colchicine is not an ordinary pain reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain.

Colchicine is also used to treat a rare condition called familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children older than 4 years of age.

Colchicine may be used in 2 ways. Most people take small amounts of it regularly for a long time (months or even years) to prevent severe attacks or other problems caused by inflammation. Other people take large amounts of colchicine during a short period of time (several hours) only when the medicine is needed to relieve an attack that is occurring. The chance of serious side effects is much lower with the first (preventive) kind of treatment.

Because some of colchicine's side effects can be very serious, you should discuss with your doctor about the benefits that colchicine can do as well as the risks of using it.

Colchicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: parathyroid hormone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Natpara

Parathyroid hormone is used together with calcium and vitamin D to treat hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) in people who also have low levels of parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone is usually given after calcium and vitamin D alone have been tried without success.

Parathyroid hormone is available only under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.