Patient awareness, knowledge and use of colchicine: an exploratory qualitative study in the Counties Manukau region, Auckland, New Zealand

Caraliese Rebello; Maree Thomson; Deborah Bassett-Clarke; Nataly Martini

doi:10.1071/HC15023

RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

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Patient awareness, knowledge and use of colchicine: an exploratory qualitative study in the Counties Manukau region, Auckland, New Zealand

Caraliese Rebello ¹ , Maree Thomson ¹ , Deborah Bassett-Clarke ² , Nataly Martini ³ ⁴

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

¹ School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

² Teacher-Practitioner, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland & Counties Manukau Health, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

³ Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

⁴ Correspondence to: Nataly Martini School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand n.martini@auckland.ac.nz

Journal of Primary Health Care 8(2) 140-148 https://doi.org/10.1071/HC15023
Published: 30 June 2016

Journal Compilation © Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners 2016.
This is an open access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of gout, specifically with colchicine, varies globally. Colchicine can be fatal due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for interactions. In New Zealand, cases of intentional and unintentional colchicine overdose have been documented.

AIMS: To explore patients’ knowledge on the use of gout medicines, and in particular their awareness of the maximum dose of colchicine, the dangers of colchicine overdose, and their opinions on restricting colchicine dispensing. The study also investigates where patients receive gout information.

METHODS: Thirty people with gout presenting to their regular gout clinic in Auckland currently or previously taking colchicine were invited to participate in a 30-min semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using a general inductive thematic approach.

FINDINGS: Overall, participants had a lack of knowledge regarding colchicine and used variable doses during an acute gout attack. Participants were unsure of the maximum dose of colchicine and several took more than prescribed. The prophylactic use of colchicine and allopurinol varied from 3 weeks to 15 years. Mixed views were reported on restricting colchicine supply. Most participants received gout information from their general practitioner (GP).

CONCLUSION: Poor understanding of colchicine contributed to inappropriate use and highlights the need for targeted patient education. Considerable inter-patient variability exists in the use of colchicine for acute gout, suggesting the efficacy of low dose regimens be explored. The length of adjunctive colchicine use, as part of a prophylaxis regimen, needs to be regularly reviewed and tailored to each patient. Further research is required on limiting the amount of colchicine dispensed.

KEYwords: Gout; New Zealand; colchicine; patient perspectives

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