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.
