Colcrys
(colchicine)
Prevents and treats gout.
Our bottom line
Colcrys (colchicine) is a second-choice treatment for gout attacks. Be careful how much you use since it can cause problems with your blood.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (colchicine)
Upsides
- Colcrys (colchicine) treats and stops sudden gout attacks.
- It can be used to prevent gout when people are first starting on allopurinol.
- Colcrys (colchicine) also treats Familial Mediterranean fever.
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What to expect from Colcrys, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Colcrys (colchicine) doesn't work as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids to treat gout attacks.
- Taking Colcrys (colchicine) for too long can cause problems with your blood.
- Doses needs to be changed if you have kidney or liver problems.
- While Colcrys (colchicine) stops the redness and swelling of gout attacks, it doesn't stop the pain.
- If you're taking Colcrys (colchicine) to stop gout flare-ups, you can only use it for 3 to 6 months after your levels have stabilized.
- The capsules (Mitigare) are only approved for prevention, but not treatment of gout.
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What to expect from Colcrys, on one page
Download Fact SheetColcrys (colchicine) stops the redness and swelling in gout attacks by blocking the cells that cause inflammation from going to the affected joints.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (colchicine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$116.70
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$116.70
What to expect when you take Colcrys (colchicine) for Gout
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Muscle pain
Side effect rates for Colcrys (colchicine)
- Stomach problems26%26%20%20%
- Diarrhea23%23%14%14%
- Nausea4%4%5%5%
- Gout4%4%2%2%
- Throat pain3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Colcrys.
People taking Colcrys felt side effect more
People taking Colcrys felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Colcrys (colchicine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Colcrys (colchicine) can lower your body's ability to make new blood cells. This can happen even when you're using Colcrys (colchicine) correctly, and can be serious if it's not caught in time. Let your doctor know if you have frequent bleeding, bruising, fevers, or always feel tired.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children 4 years and older.Common concerns from people taking Colcrys (colchicine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Many foods and medicines can interact with Colcrys (colchicine), which can be dangerous. If you have liver or kidney problems, these interactions can be worse. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to see what dose of Colcrys (colchicine) you should take based on your diet and other medicines.
- Take Colcrys (colchicine) with or without food.
- Doses needs to be changed if you have kidney or liver problems.