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Compare Indocin vs. Colcrys

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Indocin (indomethacin) and Colcrys (colchicine) are both prescription medications used to treat conditions related to inflammation and pain, but they belong to different drug classes and have different uses. Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and pain by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX). It is used to treat various types of arthritis, shoulder pain, and gouty arthritis. Indocin is available as a tablet, suspension, and rectal suppository, which can be a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. On the other hand, Colcrys is an anti-inflammatory medication specifically used for the treatment and prevention of gout flares and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). It comes in tablets, capsules, and an oral solution. Unlike Indocin, Colcrys should not be taken with grapefruit juice due to potential dangerous interactions. While both medications require a prescription, Colcrys has a higher risk of interactions with other medications and can rarely affect fertility in males. Indocin, however, carries risks of serious side effects like stomach bleeding, heart attack, and stroke, especially if taken for a long time.

  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Colchicine
  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Colchicine

  • Summary of Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

    Summary for Antigout
    Prescription only

    Colchicine is used for the treatment and prevention of gout flares, but its cost and side effects limit its use. It's also a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). This medication comes as tablets, capsules, and an oral solution.

  • Indications of Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including flare-ups
    •Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis
    •Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
    •Shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis
    •Gouty arthritis
    Indications for
    •Gout prevention
    •Gout treatment - tablets only
    •Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) - tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can treat many different types of arthritis
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Not available over-the-counter
    Pros and Const for Antigout
    Pros
    •Can be taken once or twice a day with or without food
    •Helpful for preventing gout when people are first starting allopurinol (Zyloprim)
    •Tablets work quickly to treat gout flares if they happen
    •For tablets, dose easily adjustable based on how you respond to the medication; they're scored to make it easier to split your dose if needed
    •Tablets are a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)
    Cons
    •Tablets and capsules available as a generic, but can be still more expensive than other treatment options for gout like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    •Risk of blood problems if taken long term
    •Might need lower dose if you have kidney or liver problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications
    •Might affect fertility in males

  • Common Side Effects of Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Common Side Effects for

    Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (23%)
    •Nausea (4%)

  • Warnings of Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening overdose
    •Blood problems
    •Medication and food interactions
    •Nerve or muscle toxicity

  • Prices with our coupons for Indocin vs. Colcrys

    Learn more about Indomethacin
    Learn more about Colchicine

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