- Chronic Care
- Arthritis
- Gout
Colcrys
Colchicine (Colcrys) online prescription for gout
If you are suffering from gout, Colcrys can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Colcrys today from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*
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Helps treat Gout and certain other inflammatory conditions
Available as a capsule, tablet or liquid
Reduce pain and swelling from acute gout flares
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Colcrys (Colchicine)
Colcrys is a brand name of colchicine, which is considered an antigout agent and helps reduce inflammation caused by too much uric acid in joints or by reducing specific inflammatory responses in other conditions When it comes to managing gout, the primary purpose of the medicine is to reduce the severity and length of acute gout flares. Colcrys also serves as a type of pain medication, as it often helps reduce pain and swelling that affects the joints. Like any antigout agent, this medication can only be used for gout flare-ups. It is most often used to treat acute gout flares, but may also be used in less common inflammatory conditions including pericarditis, Behcet Syndrome, Sweet Syndrome and Familial Mediterranean Fever.
Colcrys (colchicine) are available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation (colchicine) and under different brand names, including Colcrys, Gloperba, Lodoco, and Mitigare.
Colchicine may be prescribed as a capsule, tablet, or liquid. Different formulations may have different dosages and different FDA-approved uses, so speak with your doctor to determine which is right for you. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Colcrys, follow your doctor's directions carefully. It can effectively reduce the length and severity of gout attacks if you take it once you notice symptoms of an acute gout flare. It will help treat pain in cases with too many uric acid levels in your joints. Taking the medication more than 24 hours into an attack may not work as well at reducing the severity of the gout flare-up.
Patients also need to ensure they understand the drug interactions colchicine can cause. These drug interactions can sometimes lead to serious side effects or complications. Furthermore, it can cause kidney damage if taken in too high of a dose or if somebody already has poor kidney function.
Colcrys (Colchicine) uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for the brand name Colcrys, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Different versions of colchicine are FDA-approved for other conditions as well as for gout. Your online board-certified primary care physician may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your doctor may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Gout
The primary use of Colcrys is to assist patients who have gout. It is important to note that the medication will not cure gout. Instead, it provides an effective method to treat pain and swelling associated with a sudden gout flare. The colchicine dose will depend on the severity of your condition, but should never exceed 1.8 mg per day. The doctor may also consider different dosage forms based on what would work most effectively for your case. Colcrys is a good treatment for a gout attack at an early stage of the symptoms, ideally within 12 hours of the first sign of an attack. It treats attacks by changing how the body reacts to the uric acid crystals that form in the affected joint.
Familial Mediterranean fever
This type of genetic disease causes inflammation affecting the joints, abdomen, and lungs. It is also associated with a high fever. Sometimes, Colcrys may provide effective relief for the symptoms caused by this condition. The medication may be used with other drugs in certain cases to reduce the symptoms that familial Mediterranean fever causes.
Colcrys side effects
The side effects associated with taking Colcrys are typically mild. Most Colcrys side effects are associated with the digestive system. Colcrys has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Numbness in the toes or fingers
Severe vomiting
Diarrhea that won't stop
Fever and chills
Easily bruised
Unusual or unexpected bleeding
A consistent weak or tired feeling
Acute kidney disease or worsening of chronic kidney disease
Allergic reactions have also been noted among people who use Colcrys. When there are rising colchicine concentrations in the body, allergic reactions may cause swelling in the face, difficulty breathing, and hives.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
How to take Colcrys
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Colcrys prescription, based on the directions provided by your doctor.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Colcrys can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed on an as-needed basis. This means you are not likely to take it every day or at particular times like other drugs. Instead, you will take the medication when you notice signs of a gout attack. You should still adhere to the maximum recommended dose the doctor or pharmacist advises. If you treat pain related to gout attacks with other medications, tell your doctor. They can check for potentially fatal drug interactions that you need to avoid.
What to avoid while taking Colcrys
Colcrys can cause interactions with certain drugs. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you use before they prescribe you Colcrys. Drugs like diltiazem, antifungals, HIV medications, verapamil, and several others can affect how colchicine is removed from your body. This increases the risk of the more serious side effects. The combination of Colcrys with certain drugs could also lead to a risk of kidney or liver impairment.
It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Colcrys. It is possible for alcohol to affect uric acid levels in your body. This could increase the risk of gout flares. In turn, you are more likely to experience a gout attack. This also makes it harder for Colcrys to treat pain related to your gout flares.
You may be advised to avoid grapefruit juice too close to your Colcrys treatment. If you have grapefruit juice with your colchicine dose, then the drug may not work as effectively at reducing symptoms of your gout attack. You can still have grapefruit juice, but timing is an important factor here.
Medication alternatives to Colcrys
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another antigout medication or a treatment in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Pain Symptoms
Pain is a common symptom of gout flares. There are cases where the patient does not have gout flares that require the use of Colcrys. In this case, your online board-certified primary care doctor may provide non-narcotic painmedication to help treat these symptoms. This is also a good choice if the patient has accompanying muscle pain. This pain medication can also provide extra relief in addition to the Colcrys.
Ibuprofen
Celecoxib
Indomethacin
High Uric Acid Levels
Most people who have gout have high uric acid levels in their blood and benefit from daily medication to reduce the frequency of gout attacks and prevent a more debilitating form of arthritis. Repeat treatment with Colcrys alone will not reduce uric acid levels. Thus, other drugs and dietary changes can be used to help get uric acid levels under control. This can provide a better long-term solution in order to minimize the occurrence of gout flares. If uric acid levels decline, a gout attack may also be less painful for the patient.
Allopurinol
Febuxostat (Uloric)
Probenecid
Colcrys prescription FAQs
How much does Colcrys cost?
You have to take several factors into account when determining the cost. Dosing recommendations will play a significant role, which is largely related to the severity of your condition. Additionally, the pharmacy you use will also affect the price.
What are the side effects of the drug Colcrys?
Colcrys can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea. Some people also experience stomach pain. While effective for gout symptoms, some clinical trials have found Colcrys can also cause abnormal bruising, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms that affect the toes and fingers.
How quickly does Colcrys work?
The medication takes only a short period of time to help prevent attacks from worsening and to relieve symptoms. If you still have pain after an hour, then take a second and usually lower dose of the medication, or as advised by your doctor. These two doses should be enough to provide you with relief. It is very important to never take more than 1.8 mg in a day unless given specific instructions by your doctor.
What is the difference between Colchicine and Colcrys?
Colchicine is the active ingredient in the brand name Colcrys. Colcrys is approved by the FDA to treat acute gout attacks and familial Mediterranean fever. Generic and other formulations of colchicine are approved for gout and other specific inflammatory conditions.
How long should I take Colcrys for gout?
The ideal duration changes from one patient to another. There is no way to cure gout, but certain medications can help. Colcrys does not slow the progression of the disease but rather helps control symptoms of the disease in cases where you experience an attack.
How can I refill my Colcrys prescription?
If your doctor provided refills of your Colcrys or colchicine, you can call or visit the pharmacy where your prescription was sent. Colcrys and colchicine are not meant to be taken every day of the month, in most situations, so if your use of the medication seems to be frequent then your doctor can discuss preventive medicine with you, such as allopurinol or probenacid.
Who should not take Colcrys?
Do not take Colcrys as a long-term daily treatment for gouty arthritis. Rather, you should use this medicine to manage sudden attacks. Tell your doctor if you have liver impairment or kidney impairment. They can help you determine if the effect of colchicine may cause problems with these systems.
What happens if I miss a dose of Colcrys?
Colcrys is a medication you take when you have gout flares. This means there usually is no concern about a missed dose. You should, however, ensure you take a lower dose about one hour after the initial dose if you still have pain, or as directed by your doctor. If this is a missed dose, you can usually take it even after an hour.
What happens if I take too much Colcrys?
If you take too much Colcrys to treat gout flares, you can experience serious side effects. This may include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some situations, this can also lead to kidney damage.
3 simple steps to request your Colcrys or colchicine prescription today
Step 1
Book a Colcrys prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your board-certified primary care doctor regarding your Colcrys prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Colcrys prescription,- if safe to do so as determined by our online doctors.*
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Colcrys prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Colcrys prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
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30 days of free membership
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Colcrys prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
RxList. "Warnings - Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets)." Accessed 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.rxlist.com/colcrys-drug.htm
Drugs.com. "Colcrys." Accessed 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.drugs.com/colcrys.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.