Colchicine
- Vitamin B12
- Supplementation Possibly Helpful
En Español (Spanish Version)Although primarily used on a short-term basis to treat attacks of gout, colchicine is increasingly being prescribed for longer periods as a gout preventive. This practice may heighten the chance of developing the nutritional deficiency discussed here.
Supplementation Possibly Helpful
Colchicine can impair intestinal absorption of vitamin B
12
, so taking a B
12
supplement during extended colchicine therapy may be warranted.
1
Webb DI, Chodos RB, Mahar CQ, et al. Mechanism of vitamin B12 malabsorption in patients receiving colchicine.
N Engl J Med
279: 845850, 1968.
Last Reviewed July 2012