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Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Mar 4, 2020)

What is Colcrys?

Colcrys is an oral medication that may be prescribed to help prevent or reduce the painful inflammation experienced during a gout flare. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can develop from a buildup of uric acid in the blood. While gout and rheumatoid arthritis have similar symptoms, they are not the same.

Gout flares can occur when a person takes a uric acid-lowering medication. When uric acid levels decrease, crystals can develop and collect in joints, which can cause sudden, severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Colcrys or the generic drug alternative Colchicine have anti-inflammatory properties. (These medications do not cure gout or reduce uric acid levels.) While the effect of colchicine (the main ingredient in Colcrys) has been studied, researchers do not know the exact reasons why or how colchicine treats gout pain.

Your physician may not recommend Colcrys as the first treatment for gout unless you are unable to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs. Colchicine generic is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Drugs similar to Colcrys include:

What is Colcrys used for?

Colcrys helps prevent and treat gout flares. Colcrys and Colchicine generic help break the cycle of inflammation by reducing the amount of white blood cells, which protect against illness and disease. Once inflammation is reduced, swelling and pain can subside.

Colcrys is also used in people over age 4 to treat a rare disease called Familial Mediterranean fever which can cause episodes of fevers, body aches, and joint pain.

What to know before taking Colcrys

Tell your physician about any conditions you have and any medications you take, including non-prescription medication (especially HIV medicine, clarithromycin or cyclosporine), vitamins, and supplements.
Colcrys should be taken at the first sign of a gout attack.
Colcrys can cause serious muscle problems and blood disorders even when taken as directed. The risk for muscle problems is higher for elderly patients or people with kidney problems.
Colcrys does not treat high uric acid levels.
Colcrys is not a pain medication and should not be used to treat pain related to other conditions.
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may interact with Colcrys.
Colcrys can be taken with or without food.
Colcrys dosing may need to be adjusted depending on any existing conditions you have or if you are on certain medications.
Let your physician know if you experience any side effects while taking Colcrys.

Possible Colcrys side effects

As with all prescription drugs, there are potential side effects of Colcrys and Colchicine.

Some people may experience:

Diarrhea
Throat pain
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain or cramps
Muscle pain or weakness
Numbness or tingly feeling in the toes or fingers
Fever, chills, and body aches
Reduced urination

Serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. If you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itching; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.