Colchicine can cause both myopathy and neuropathy in patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min). The myopathy can be profound and, like polymyositis, affects the proximal muscles more than the distal muscles. Creatine kinase levels can be markedly elevated, and electromyographic studies show a myopathic picture. Colchicine withdrawal allows total recovery from these effects.
