Key takeaways
Febuxostat (Uloric) and colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba) are both used to manage gout, but they have several differences. Febuxostat is a once-daily medication that prevents gout flares by lowering uric acid levels in the body. But it's not recommended for people with heart conditions. Febuxostat is typically used when allopurinol is not an option. Colchicine, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory medication that can both treat and prevent gout flares. It is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Colchicine can be taken once or twice daily for prevention or as needed for treatment, but it interacts with many medications and foods like grapefruit. Febuxostat and colchicine are both available as lower-cost generics. Both medications have serious side effects, but febuxostat is particularly noted for its risk of heart-related issues, while colchicine can cause blood problems and nerve or muscle toxicity.
