What is Colcrys: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Colcrys overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Gloperba, Colcrys, Mitigare

Generic Names:

  • Colchicine

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents gout attacks. Also treats familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antigout

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Colcrys used for?

What form(s) does Colcrys come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Colcrys doses?

  • Tablet 0.6MG

Common Colcrys prescriptions

  • Colcrys
    9000 tablets bottle

  • Colcrys
    0.6mg tablet

How to take Colcrys

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. For patients taking the tablet to prevent gout attack: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is 12 hours away, wait until then and take a regular dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. For patients taking the tablet to prevent gout attack: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is 12 hours away, wait until then and take a regular dose.

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Colcrys

Colcrys contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have kidney disease or liver disease and are also taking certain medicines (including medicine to treat HIV or AIDS, medicine to treat an infection, medicine to lower cholesterol).

Colcrys warnings

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, bleeding problems, or muscle problems.

  • This medicine may cause severe muscle problems.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe diarrhea or vomiting

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Colcrys interactions

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how colchicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aprepitant, cyclosporine, digoxin, diltiazem, nefazodone, ranolazine, verapamilMedicine to treat HIV or AIDSMedicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, bezafibrate, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, fluvastatin, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Colcrys side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Bloody or black tarry stools, red or dark brown urine

  • Pale or gray lips, tongue, or palms

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Severe diarrhea or vomiting

  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

  • Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea or vomiting, nausea, stomach pain or cramps