Canadian Pharmacy Service

How Does Colcrys (colchicine) Treat Gout?

Friday 9 July 2021
Gout
4 minute(s) read

Table of Contents


I. Painful Gout Symptoms

II. What is Colcrys (colchicine)?

III. Treating Gout Symptoms with Colcrys

IV. Ordering Colcrys Online


Painful Gout Symptoms

Gout is a common form of arthritis caused by increased uric acid levels in the body. A diet high in purines is one of the main causes of high uric acid levels. Gout can affect more than one joint, leading to swelling, tenderness, and inflammation. Gout can also significantly reduce your range of motion and disrupt your everyday activities. Although gout symptoms may occur periodically, symptoms can be incredibly painful during flare-ups. 

If you have gout, the intense joint pain will usually begin in the big toe. Joint pain from gout also commonly affects the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Lingering discomfort may last several days to weeks after a flare-up subsides. Severe gout can cause permanent changes to the affected joints, leading to long-term loss of motion.

a black and white image of a person’s toes

Treatment is recommended as soon as you experience joint pain and inflammation because untreated gout can lead to joint damage. You may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like indomethacin in addition to a low-purine diet. This treatment plan can relieve swelling and joint stiffness. You may also be prescribed allopurinol to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Colcrys (colchicine) is a popular anti-gout agent that can prevent gout attacks and relieve symptoms in adults. Read on to learn more about the benefits and side effects of Colcrys. [1] 

What is Colcrys (colchicine)?

Colcrys (colchicine) is a prescription medicine used to prevent and treat gout attacks in adults. The active ingredient in this medication is colchicine, a pale-yellow alkaloid (plant-based) powder. Combined with carnauba wax, hypromellose, and several other ingredients, Colcrys comes in a purple capsule for oral administration.

Colcrys is approved by the FDA to treat gout and a genetic condition known as Familial Mediterranean Fever. Colcrys does not cure gout or prevent this condition from progressing. Colcrys should not be used as a regular pain reliever because this medication can cause severe side effects, even death. Ask your doctor about things you should know before taking Colcrys for gout. [2]

Treating Gout Symptoms with Colcrys

Colchicine affects the way your body responds to uric acid crystals, thereby reducing pain and swelling. Colchicine also lessens uric acid buildup, which lowers the frequency of uric acid crystals forming. Colcrys can effectively relieve pain and symptoms of acute gout by stopping the cells involved in inflammation from entering the joints. It is important to take Colcrys within the first 36 hours of a gout flare-up to maximize benefits. [3]

two athletes with their wrist and finger joints bandaged

Colcrys is the preferred form of treatment for patients who are not able to take corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Because it is an herbal medication made from the autumn crocus plant, colchicine may also be preferred by those who wish to use a more natural treatment method. [3]

To take Colcrys, your doctor will likely direct you to take four tablets, each containing 0.5mg of the drug. Typically, two tablets are taken together with the third tablet to be taken one hour later. Then, the fourth tablet is taken one hour after the third tablet. This schedule makes up 2mg of the medicine, but every treatment plan may differ.

Higher dosages are not recommended since taking more than 2mg of colchicine may lead to an increase in side effects. Higher doses may also be ineffective, so always follow your doctor’s instructions and dosage plan. [3]

Ordering Colcrys Online

If you are affected by painful joints that disrupt your routine activities, speak with your physician about your treatment options. As uric acid filters through the kidneys, damage and scarring can occur. A proper diagnosis can go a long way in symptom relief and prevention of health complications like kidney disease. [4] Untreated gout can also lead to joint deformity, heart disease, dry-eye syndrome, and high blood pressure. [5]

a person ordering gout medication online

By speaking to your doctor about gout, you can get guidance on how to eat better to improve gout, along with exercises you can do at home to alleviate pain from this arthritic condition. Talking to your doctor can also help you decide which gout medication is the most suitable for you.

Colcrys (colchicine) can be ordered online through Canadian Pharmacy Service at a discount price. Ordering your anti-gout medication through an online Canadian pharmacy has many benefits, including safe and secure transactions, lower prices, speedy delivery times, and around-the-clock customer care. Canadian Pharmacy Service also offers other types of gout medicine mentioned above, including Indomethacin Suppositories and brand-name or generic allopurinol. Treat your gout symptoms and get back to your everyday activities today.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.