Overview
- Across 12 randomized trials including 22,983 participants with established cardiovascular disease, low-dose colchicine lowered the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
- For every 1,000 people treated for at least six months, the analysis estimated about nine fewer heart attacks and eight fewer strokes compared with usual care or placebo.
- Participants typically received 0.5 mg colchicine once or twice daily, with roughly half of trial participants assigned to the drug.
- Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were more common with colchicine, while high‑certainty evidence showed no increase in serious adverse events.
- Researchers highlighted the drug’s low cost and wide availability, including its first‑line use for gout on the NHS, and noted the evidence comes largely from publicly funded trials.