Familial Mediterranean fever – Treatment

Attacks are self-limiting, and require analgesia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as diclofenac). Colchicine, a drug otherwise mainly used in gout, decreases attack frequency in FMF patients.

Attacks are self-limiting, and require analgesia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as diclofenac).

Colchicine, a drug otherwise mainly used in gout, decreases attack frequency in FMF patients. The exact way in which colchicine suppresses attacks is unclear. While this agent is not without side effects (such as abdominal pain and muscle pains), it may markedly improve quality of life in patients. The dosage is typically 1–2& mg a day. Development of amyloidosis is delayed with colchicine treatment. Interferon is being studied as a therapeutic modality. Some advise discontinuation of colchicine before and during pregnancy, but the data is inconsistent and others feel that it is safe to take colchicine during pregnancy.


Adapted from the Wikipedia article Familial Mediterranean fever, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki








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