Colchicine and immunosuppression

[Coralie5141]

Does anyone know what the likelihood of being immunosuppressed due to long term Colchicine use is // should I be extra careful in relation to COVID-19 or is it unlikely it will make me any more susceptible?

[Sunnie2day]

Colchicine does have some immunosuppressant affect - you should talk to the medic who prescribed it for you as to yes/no regarding its potential suppressant value in your specific case and condition.

I don't tolerate Colchicine for my recurrent pericarditis but just having recurrent pericarditis is enough reason in my mind to be extremely careful - every week it seems some new information is revealed on what the virus does to not only lungs but just about the entire human body. I don't see it as worth the risk - I've taken the decision to continue on as though I am at high-risk although my cardiologist and neurologist have removed me from the high-risk list recently.

They told me they believe I'm intelligent enough to understand I need to be very careful even though they have unticked my name. The only reason I was on the list in the first place was owing to having multiple heart conditions plus a neurological one (Essential Tremor) - despite all of it being well controlled through low-dose medication (beta blocker+aspirin) and lifestyle.

I hope this helps - recurrent pericarditis is rare in this country so in essence they're learning as they go as to what all this virus does and who is at the highest risk.

[Coralie5141 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thank you for you very helpful response!

When I was first prescribed it the cardiologist mentioned that it could cause me to become immunocompromised due to being on it for a year or more. I have since spoken to my cardiologist about being generally careful (due to recurrent pericarditis and asthma) and avoiding it at all cost and received a call yesterday about shielding but I am reluctant to do so as I love to train (run) when I can/feel able- but I am being very careful otherwise!

I hope you are keeping well!!

[Sunnie2day in reply to Coralie5141]

I'm doing well (knock wood!) and looking forward to being able to drive to the seaside and get a real walking-workout in. I live too far for it to be considered a reasonable distance (16 miles one way) and I am seriously missing the sea air while getting a good workout!

I've just read the PM apparently is going to continue the lockdown. sigh

Enjoy your runs - and stay safe out there!

[Hidden]

Dear Charly5141 - I can't fully answer your questions but I wanted to encourage you with my positive development and feedback, because we have things in common including loving to run.

I recently had a call with my cardio specialist which took 5 months to arrive. I had experienced more than one recurrence over 3 months after the normal 6 weeks recovery from acute Pericarditis early October. So I have had recurrent Pericarditis. During that 3 months I tried occasional exercise and on 3 occasions, with 3 days delay, had chest pains again. I was advised that every time I had pain after exercise that I should stop exercise again for 2 weeks. But I have not had recurrence now since early February. Since then I spaced out my runs to always give at least 3 days space to allow pain to come along, or not. I also made sure my pace was gentle. I started very lightly by my standards: So 3x 3 miles, 3x 4miles etc. I just had my 1st 8 mile run since before the incident with no recurrence. A real celebration because this route was my standard training run.

In March the cardio specialist suggested I might have to stay on Colchicine for a year. Now he says that if I am clear recurrence to the end of May I can stop altogether. But obviously there are no guarantees it’s gone.

I also asked about my vulnerability to Covid-19 from my Pericarditis history. I am lucky: At the time of crisis in October I had no negative indicators from my echocardiogram, which showed normal heart structure and function, and no regional wall motion abnormality. I also had no other conditions for a healthy 61yr old male. In fact, it was explained that my Pericarditis was altogether rarer than usual as pericarditis is normally a bi-product of other more serious conditions. My specialist advised that in my case I had no comorbidity regarding Covid-19. He also explained the Covid-19 patients sometimes display difficulties if they have a history of Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). But not from Pericarditis alone.

The really important thing to get back to health is to remain very focussed on your recovery procedure. Stop exercise for 2 weeks after pain; ramp up exercise very gradually with less than normal effort; sleep and eat really well; The specialist also pointed out my normal BMI was a significant positive, so keep your weight under control. I have read that about 80% of fatalities from Covid-19 are over 70, and 71% of fatalities have comorbidity issues. So if you are out of these vulnerable groups you are very lucky.

The uncertainty of frequent recurrence towards the end of last year had me very depressed. But this may be the last time I write on this site. God bless all and stay safe. There is light at the end of the tunnel!