Drug interactions
Colchicine + Gemfibrozil
Severity: Major
Colchicine and Gemfibrozil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs can cause myopathy, and gemfibrozil carries a notable rhabdomyolysis risk, which may rise with colchicine. Risk is higher in renal impairment and older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colchicine and Gemfibrozil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Colchicine belongs to Genitourinary; Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive myotoxicity, with possible gemfibrozil inhibition of glucuronidation and transporters.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, and use a different lipid-lowering agent or gout therapy. If used together, monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Colchicine
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Cyclosporine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colchicine with Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colchicine and Gemfibrozil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can cause myopathy, and gemfibrozil carries a notable rhabdomyolysis risk, which may rise with colchicine. Risk is higher in renal impairment and older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Colchicine and Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible, and use a different lipid-lowering agent or gout therapy. If used together, monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase.
What other medicines interact with Colchicine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine page.
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