- Chronic Care
- Arthritis
- Gout
Colcrys
Colcrys (Colchicine) prescription available online
If you are suffering from gout, Colcrys can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Colcrys today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Helps treat Gout and Familial Mediterranean fever
Available as a capsule
Reduce pain and swelling
*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 considered an antigout agent, which functions by causing alterations to how the body reacts to the presence of uric acid crystals. The primary purpose of the medicine is to reduce the recurrence of acute gout flares. Colcrys also serves as a type of pain medication, as it may help reduce pain and swelling that affects the joints. Like any antigout agent, this medication can only be used for gout flare-ups. It is ineffective against other forms of arthritis because it will only impact uric acid crystals.
Some conditions that Colcrys is known to treat include gout and Familial Mediterranean Fever. Colcrys is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including colchicine. Even though there is a generic form, the FDA has only approved the branded Colcrys medication for the treatment of both acute gout flares and Familial Mediterranean Fever.
Colcrys may be prescribed as a capsule. 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 or pharmacist's directions carefully. It can effectively prevent 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 too late may not work as well as reducing the severity of the gout flare-up.
When treating Familial Mediterranean fever fmf, it is crucial to ensure the patients treated are at least four years of age.
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.
Colcrys (Colchicine) uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Colcrys, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist 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 gout flare. The colchicine dose will depend on the severity of your condition. 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. It treats attacks by changing how the body reacts to the uric acid crystals that form.
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
Allergic reactions have also been noted among people who use Colcrys. When there are 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.
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 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, azole antifungals, HIV medications, verapamil, and several others can affect how colchicine is removed from your body. This increases the risk of the more serious adverse effects. The combination of Colcrys with certain drugs could also lead to a risk of renal or hepatic impairment.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume 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, the healthcare provider may provide pain medication 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
If the patient has high uric acid levels, then they may need additional treatment options. Repeat treatment with Colcrys alone may not reduce uric acid levels. Thus, other drugs can be used to help get uric acid levels under control. This can provide a longer 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.
Lesinurad
Febuxostat
Allopurinol
Pegloticase
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 weakness, numbness, and other symptoms that affect the toes and fingers. Bruising, weakness, and several other potential adverse effects can develop.
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 low dose of the medication. These two doses should be enough to provide you with relief.
What is the difference between Colchicine and Colcrys?
Colchicine is the name of the main active ingredient that Colcrys uses. Colcrys, on the other hand, is the brand name or a specific drug that is used to help treat gout attacks.
How long should I take Colcrys for gout?
The ideal duration depends 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 disease in cases where you experience an attack.
How can I refill my Colcrys prescription?
Simply visit the pharmacy where your prescription was sent. You can usually get a refill for your prescription once per month.
Who should not take Colcrys?
Do not take Colcrys as a long-term daily treatment for gouty arthritis. You should rather use this medicine to prevent attacks. Tell your doctor if you have a hepatic impairment or renal 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. 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.
3 simple steps to request your Colcrys prescription today
Step 1
Book a Colcrys prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Colcrys prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Colcrys prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Colcrys prescription pricing details
How pricing works
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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!
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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.