FDA has approved the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product. The drug, called Colcrys, is approved to treat acute gout flares and familial Mediterranean fever. Oral colchicine has been used to treat gout in the past, but until now it had not been approved by FDA. Colchicine has historically been given every hour for acute gout flares, either until the flare subsided or treatment had to be stopped because the patient developed gastrointestinal problems. But a dosing study conducted as part of the approval of Colcrys demonstrated that one initial dose and a single additional dose after one hour was just as effective and much less toxic. Healthcare professionals should use this lower recommended dosing regimen to treat acute gout flares. Healthcare professionals should also be aware that colchicine interacts with other drugs, including P-glycoprotein and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as cyclosporine and clarithromycin. This can lead to serious or even fatal colchicine toxicity, particularly if a patient has renal or hepatic impairment. And so concomitant use of colchicine and P-glycoprotein or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated in these patients. For patients with normal renal and hepatic function, consider interrupting colchicine therapy or reducing the dose if the patient needs treatment with a P-glycoprotein or a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Dr. Esther Bowie discusses new treatments for Macular Degeneration. This video is brought to you by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Visit www.muschealth.com to learn more about the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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excellent worker!
Comment by 1888junkteam — November 2, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
Thanks for your follow up to my inbox. I will mention “lucentis” injections, I have read a bit about it but it’s great to chat with someone who has had success with the treatment. cheers!
Comment by paraminion — November 2, 2010 @ 11:24 pm
actually i have my sight pretty much restored in this eye. my left eye on the other hand is too scarried to help it at all.
Comment by terradawn72 — November 3, 2010 @ 12:22 am
Terradawn-this is encouraging!!! May I ask who you are getting treatment from? I’m 32 and have had a nagging blurry spot in my left eye for a year now caused by a macular pucker (from fluid leakage).. I was seeing a dr Lit in Oakland, Ca and am seeing a dr Ai in San Francisco this week per reference from my long time family eye doctor back at the Wheaton, IL eye clinic. I have yet to have a doctor even mention any type of corrective surgery.
Comment by paraminion — November 3, 2010 @ 12:25 am
Ofir- Your retina specialist would be the one to ask.
Comment by paraminion — November 3, 2010 @ 1:10 am
Someone knows if this out yet for israel?
Comment by ofir2008 — November 3, 2010 @ 1:27 am
i have had this since i was 15, now i am 36 and this has been affecting my right eye which was good until 3 years ago. i had 3 injections in 3 years and my good eye is stabilized.
Comment by terradawn72 — November 3, 2010 @ 2:21 am
good
Comment by kkchen888 — November 3, 2010 @ 2:45 am
Check out RP International’s Channel and join its “Fight Against Blindness and Macular Degeneration”
Comment by RPInternational1972 — November 3, 2010 @ 2:55 am
Consult your eye care specialist before you do anything. Huggett Vision Institute
@ 727-789-0199. Tell them that Rob Nina, Vision Rehab Specialist, sent you.
Comment by platanoverde33 — November 3, 2010 @ 3:27 am