There is no doubt about the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Even though the gene for the disease has been mapped and identified, the exact pathogenesis of the acute episodes is still not known. Many immunological abnormalities have been reported. Of special interest is the deficiency of a C5a inhibitor in peritoneal and synovial fluids of patients. This is probably a consequence of pyrin dysfunction in patients with FMF. Attacks of FMF can be prevented by prophylactic colchicine therapy at a dose of 0.02-0.03 mg/kg/24hr (maximum of 2 mg/24 hr) in one or two divided doses. It not only reduces the frequency of acute attacks, but also greatly reduces the probability of development of amyloidosis and may lead to partial remission of existing amyloidosis. The adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. There are no specific precautions as far as diet is concerned.