2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The long-term use of colchicine is established for FMF and the prophylaxis of gout flares, but the safety and efficacy of repeat treatment for gout flares has not been evaluated. The dosing regimens for Colchicine Tablets, USP are different for each indication and must be individualized. The recommended dosage of Colchicine Tablets, USP depends on the patient's age, renal function, hepatic function and use of coadministered drugs [ see Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs (2.4) ]. Colchicine Tablets, USP are administered orally without regard to meals. Colchicine Tablets, USP are not an analgesic medication and should not be used to treat pain from other causes. • Gout Flares: Prophylaxis of Gout Flares: 0.6 mg once or twice daily in adults and adolescents older than 16 years of age ( 2.1 ). Maximum dose 1.2 mg/day. Treatment of Gout Flares: 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of a gout flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later ( 2.1 ). • FMF: Adults and children older than 12 years 1.2 – 2.4 mg; children 6 to 12 years 0.9 – 1.8 mg; children 4 to 6 years 0.3 – 1.8 mg ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). • Give total daily dose in one or two divided doses ( 2.2 ). • Increase or decrease the dose as indicated and as tolerated in increments of 0.3 mg/day, not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose ( 2.2 ). Colchicine Tablets, USP are administered orally without regard to meals. See full prescribing information for dose adjustment regarding patients with impaired renal function ( 2.5 ), impaired hepatic function ( 2.6 ), the patient's age ( 2.3 , 8.5 ) or use of coadministered drugs ( 2.4 ). 2.1 Gout Flares Prophylaxis of Gout Flares The recommended dosage of Colchicine Tablets, USP for prophylaxis of gout flares for adults and adolescents older than 16 years of age is 0.6 mg once or twice daily. The maximum recommended dose for prophylaxis of gout flares is 1.2 mg/day. An increase in gout flares may occur after initiation of uric acid-lowering therapy, including pegloticase, febuxostat and allopurinol, due to changing serum uric acid levels resulting in mobilization of urate from tissue deposits. Colchicine Tablets, USP are recommended upon initiation of gout flare prophylaxis with uric acid-lowering therapy. Prophylactic therapy may be beneficial for at least the first six months of uric acid-lowering therapy. Treatment of Gout Flares The recommended dose of Colchicine Tablets, USP for treatment of a gout flare is 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of the flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later. Higher doses have not been found to be more effective. The maximum recommended dose for treatment of gout flares is 1.8 mg over a one-hour period. Colchicine Tablets, USP may be administered for treatment of a gout flare during prophylaxis at doses not to exceed 1.2 mg (two tablets) at the first sign of the flare followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later. Wait 12 hours and then resume the prophylactic dose. 2.2 FMF The recommended dosage of Colchicine Tablets, USP for FMF in adults is 1.2 mg to 2.4 mg daily. Colchicine Tablets, USP should be increased as needed to control disease and as tolerated in increments of 0.3 mg/day to a maximum recommended daily dose. If intolerable side effects develop, the dose should be decreased in increments of 0.3 mg/day. The total daily Colchicine Tablets, USP dose may be administered in one to two divided doses. 2.3 Recommended Pediatric Dosage Prophylaxis and Treatment of Gout Flares Colchicine Tablets, USP are not recommended for pediatric use in prophylaxis or treatment of gout flares. FMF The recommended dosage of Colchicine Tablets, USP for FMF in pediatric patients four years of age and older is based on age. The following daily doses may be given as a single or divided dose twice daily: • Children 4 to 6 years: 0.3 mg to 1.8 mg daily • Children 6 to 12 years: 0.9 mg to 1.8 mg daily • Adolescents older than 12 years: 1.2 mg to 2.4 mg daily 2.4 Dose Modification for Coadministration of Interacting Drugs Concomitant Therapy Coadministration of Colchicine Tablets, USP with drugs known to inhibit CYP3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) increases the risk of colchicine-induced toxic effects (Table 1). If patients are taking or have recently completed treatment with drugs listed in Table 1 within the prior 14 days, the dose adjustments are as shown in the table below [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Table 1 Colchicine Tablets, USP Dose Adjustment for Coadministration with Interacting Drugs if no Alternative Available For magnitude of effect on colchicine plasma concentrations [ see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given Colchicine Tablets, USP in conjunction with strong CYP3A4 or P-gp inhibitors [ see Contraindications (4) ]. Drug Noted or Anticipated Outcome Gout Flares FMF Prophylaxis of Gout Flares Treatment of Gout Flares Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Atazanavir Clarithromycin Darunavir/ Ritonavir When used in combination with Ritonavir, see dosing recommendations for strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [ see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) ]. Indinavir Itraconazole Ketoconazole Lopinavir/ Ritonavir Nefazodone Nelfinavir Ritonavir Saquinavir Telithromycin Tipranavir/ Ritonavir Significant increase in colchicine plasma levels ; fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported with clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Similarly, significant increase in colchicine plasma levels is anticipated with other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day 1.2 mg (2 tablets) followed by 0.6 mg (1 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 1.2 – 2.4 mg Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Drug Noted or Anticipated Outcome Gout Flares FMF Prophylaxis of Gout Flares Treatment of Gout Flares Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Amprenavir Aprepitant Diltiazem Erythromycin Fluconazole Fosamprenavir (pro-drug of Amprenavir) Grapefruit Juice Verapamil Significant increase in colchicine plasma concentration is anticipated. Neuromuscular toxicity has been reported with diltiazem and verapamil interactions. 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg twice a day or 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 1.2 mg (2 tablets) followed by 0.6 mg (1 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. 1.2 mg (2 tablets) x 1 dose. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 1.2 – 2.4 mg. Maximum daily dose of 1.2 mg (may be given as 0.6 mg twice a day) P-gp Inhibitors Drug Noted or Anticipated Outcome Gout Flares FMF Prophylaxis of Gout Flares Treatment of Gout Flares Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Original Intended Dosage Adjusted Dose Cyclosporine Ranolazine Significant increase in colchicine plasma levels ; fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported with cyclosporine, a P-gp inhibitor. Similarly, significant increase in colchicine plasma levels is anticipated with other P-gp inhibitors. 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day 1.2 mg (2 tablets) followed by 0.6 mg (1 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 1.2 – 2.4 mg Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) Table 2 Colchicine Tablets, USP Dose Adjustment for Coadministration with Protease Inhibitors Protease Inhibitor Clinical Comment w/Colchicine – Prophylaxis of Gout Flares w/Colchicine – Treatment of Gout Flares w/Colchicine – Treatment of FMF Atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Reyataz. Original Dose Adjusted Dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Darunavir (Prezista) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Prezista/ritonavir. Original Dose Adjusted Dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) with Ritonavir Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Lexiva/ritonavir. Original Dose Adjusted Dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Lexiva/ritonavir. Original dose Adjusted dose 1.2 mg (2 tablets) x 1 dose. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 1.2 mg (may be given as 0.6 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg twice a day or 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day Indinavir (Crixivan) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Crixivan. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Kaletra. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Viracept. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Ritonavir (Norvir) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Norvir. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Saquinavir mesylate (Invirase) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Invirase/ritonavir. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Tipranavir (Aptivus) Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should not be given colchicine with Aptivus/ritonavir. Original dose Adjusted dose 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (1/2 tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day) 0.6 mg twice a day 0.6 mg once a day 0.3 mg once a day 0.3 mg once every other day Treatment of gout flares with Colchicine Tablets, USP is not recommended in patients receiving prophylactic dose of Colchicine Tablets, USP and CYP3A4 inhibitors. 2.5 Dose Modification in Renal Impairment Colchicine dosing must be individualized according to the patient's renal function [ see Renal Impairment (8.6) ]. Clcr in mL/minute may be estimated from serum creatinine (mg/dL) determination using the following formula: Clcr = [140-age (years) x weight (kg)] x 0.85 for female patients 72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL) Gout Flares Prophylaxis of Gout Flares For prophylaxis of gout flares in patients with mild (estimated creatinine clearance [Clcr] 50 to 80 mL/min) to moderate (Clcr 30 to 50 mL/min) renal function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. However, in patients with severe impairment, the starting dose should be 0.3 mg/day and any increase in dose should be done with close monitoring. For the prophylaxis of gout flares in patients undergoing dialysis, the starting doses should be 0.3 mg given twice a week with close monitoring [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Renal Impairment (8.6) ]. Treatment of Gout Flares For treatment of gout flares in patients with mild (Clcr 50 to 80 mL/min) to moderate (Clcr 30 to 50 mL/min) renal function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. However, in patients with severe impairment, while the dose does not need to be adjusted for the treatment of gout flares, a treatment course should be repeated no more than once every two weeks. For patients with gout flares requiring repeated courses, consideration should be given to alternate therapy. For patients undergoing dialysis, the total recommended dose for the treatment of gout flares should be reduced to a single dose of 0.6 mg (one tablet). For these patients, the treatment course should not be repeated more than once every two weeks [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Renal Impairment (8.6) ]. Treatment of gout flares with Colchicine Tablets, USP is not recommended in patients with renal impairment who are receiving Colchicine Tablets, USP for prophylaxis. FMF Caution should be taken in dosing patients with moderate and severe renal impairment and in patients undergoing dialysis. For these patients, the dosage should be reduced [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Patients with mild (Clcr 50 to 80 mL/min) and moderate (Clcr 30 to 50 mL/min) renal impairment should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. Dose reduction may be necessary. For patients with severe renal failure (Clcr less than 30 mL/min), start with 0.3 mg/day; any increase in dose should be done with adequate monitoring of the patient for adverse effects of colchicine [ see Renal Impairment (8.6) ]. For patients undergoing dialysis, the total recommended starting dose should be 0.3 mg (half tablet) per day. Dosing can be increased with close monitoring. Any increase in dose should be done with adequate monitoring of the patient for adverse effects of colchicine [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Renal Impairment (8.6) ]. 2.6 Dose Modification in Hepatic Impairment Gout Flares Prophylaxis of Gout Flares For prophylaxis of gout flares in patients with mild to moderate hepatic function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. Dose reduction should be considered for the prophylaxis of gout flares in patients with severe hepatic impairment [ see Hepatic Impairment (8.7) ]. Treatment of Gout Flares For treatment of gout flares in patients with mild to moderate hepatic function impairment, adjustment of the recommended dose is not required, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. However, for the treatment of gout flares in patients with severe impairment, while the dose does not need to be adjusted, a treatment course should be repeated no more than once every two weeks. For these patients, requiring repeated courses for the treatment of gout flares, consideration should be given to alternate therapy [ see Hepatic Impairment (8.7) ]. Treatment of gout flares with Colchicine Tablets, USP is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment who are receiving Colchicine Tablets, USP for prophylaxis. FMF Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment should be monitored closely for adverse effects of colchicine. Dose reduction should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment [ see Hepatic Impairment (8.7) ].