Frequently Asked Questions about colchicine (Colcrys)

Is colchicine a painkiller?

Colchicine is not a painkiller. It will not relieve pain that is not caused by gout or familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine is an anti-gout agent, and it specifically relieves pain and swelling caused by gout and FMF.

Is colchicine bad for kidneys?

Colchicine is excreted (removed from the body) by the kidneys. In people with kidney disease or renal impairment, the drug can reach toxic levels in the body due to improper removal. While colchicine is not contraindicated in people with kidney disease, the dose may need to be adjusted, and close monitoring may be required during treatment. 

How quickly does colchicine work?

Colchicine starts working in 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, it can take 1-2 days to get relief from pain and inflammation during gout flares. 

Can I take colchicine every day?

 Low dose colchicine can be taken daily for prevention, i.e., to reduce the frequency and duration of gout flares. However, you should not take colchicine every day to treat an acute gout attack. If you don’t get relief after taking a treatment dose of colchicine, talk to your healthcare professional before taking additional medication.

Can you drink alcohol while taking colchicine?

 Alcohol can increase the amount of uric acid and reduce the effect of colchicine. You should limit the amount of alcohol you consume while on this medication.

What is the price of colchicine without insurance?

Without insurance, colchicine can be as high as $227.72, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $28.16 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions of colchicine like Colcrys. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.

What is the price of colchicine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on colchicine—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for colchicine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.