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Probenecid / Colchicine Coupon - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg/0.5mg tablet

probenecid / colchicine

Generic Col-Benemid
Used for Gout
Used for Gout

Probenecid/colchicine is a combination anti-gout medication. It helps prevent gout in people who get gout flares (attacks) often. Probenecid is a uricosuric agent that works in your kidneys to lower uric acid levels, while colchicine helps ease inflammation. Probenecid/colchicine comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once or twice per day. Some side effects include stomach upset, headache, and dizziness. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because doing so raises your risk of a gout attack. Probenecid/colchicine is available only as a generic; brand name Colbenemid has been discontinued.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 25, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Probenecid/colchicine?

What is Probenecid/colchicine used for?

How Probenecid/colchicine works

Probenecid/colchicine is a combination of two medications that treat gout.

  • Probenecid is a uricosuric agent. It works in the kidneys to lower uric acid levels in your body. This can help prevent gout attacks because having lower uric acid levels means uric acid crystals are less likely to form in your joints.

  • Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication. It's thought to prevent gout flares by lowering swelling and pain.

Are you looking for information on probenecid or colchicine (Colcrys) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsColbenemid (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntigout
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Probenecid/colchicine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Probenecid
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden gout attack (sharp pain and swelling at the joints)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Kidney stones
Colchicine
  • Nerve pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Other Side Effects

  • Hair loss
  • Flushing
  • Itching

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat), trouble breathing
  • Kidney stones: severe back pain, stomach pain, blood in your urine, fever, chills
  • Low blood cell counts: fever, trouble breathing, chills, weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stool

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Fast or irregular breathing

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, or wheezing

changes in the skin color of the face occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here

or skin rash, hives, or itching occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Bloody urine

burning feeling in stomach, throat, or skin

convulsions (seizures)

diarrhea (severe or bloody)

fever

mood or mental changes

muscle weakness (severe)

nausea or vomiting (severe and continuing)

sudden decrease in amount of urine

troubled or difficult breathing

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Difficult or painful urination

lower back or side pain (especially if severe or sharp)

skin rash, hives, or itching (occurring without other signs of an allergic reaction)

Rare

Black or tarry stools

cloudy urine

cough or hoarseness

fast or irregular breathing

numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

pinpoint red spots on skin

sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth

sore throat, fever, and chills

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs

swollen and/or painful glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea (mild)

headache

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting (mild)

stomach pain

Less common

Dizziness

flushing or redness of face (occurring without any signs of an allergic reaction)

frequent urge to urinate

sore gums

unusual loss of hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Probenecid/colchicine

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once or twice a day

Conveniently combines two medications in one pill

Available as a generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for gout

Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Can interact with other medications

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Probenecid/colchicine

pharmacist

  • Mark your appointments on your calendar to see your prescriber and to get any blood work done. You should regularly follow up with your prescriber to review your symptoms and your uric acid levels. Your prescriber will use this information to adjust your dose of probenecid/colchicine, if necessary.

    • You can take probenecid/colchicine with or without food. But stomach-related side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) are possible, so it's best to take with food to help prevent or ease these from happening.

      • Make sure to stay hydrated while you're taking probenecid/colchicine to prevent kidney stones. Ask your healthcare team about a recommended daily amount to drink.

        • It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking probenecid/colchicine. Doing so can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Drinking can also raise your risk for gout flares.

          • Probenecid and colchicine interact with other medications, including aspirin, many antibiotics, and certain cholesterol medications. Make sure to let your care team know about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements) before starting probenecid/colchicine so that they can help you check for interactions.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Probenecid/colchicine

            How long can you take probenecid/colchicine?
            Your healthcare team will let you know how long you need to take probenecid/colchicine. The goal of this medication is to prevent gout attacks and to keep your uric acid levels within a safe range. Your healthcare team will check your uric acid levels with labs throughout treatment. Typically, if you haven't had a gout attack for at least 6 months and your uric acid levels are within the target range, your healthcare team can consider lowering the dose of probenecid/colchicine. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how long you should be on probenecid/colchicine.
            Is probenecid/colchicine a controlled substance?
            No, probenecid/colchicine isn't a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of addiction or dependence.
            Can you drink alcohol while taking probenecid/colchicine?
            It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking probenecid/colchicine because it can raise your risk for side effects like headache, dizziness, and stomach upset. Additionally, drinking alcohol raises your risk for gout flares. There are certain types of alcohol, such as beer, that are more likely to trigger a flare. Speak with a healthcare professional (HCP) about your drinking habits and whether probenecid/colchicine is safe and appropriate for you.
            Does probenecid/colchicine make you sleepy?
            Sleepiness isn't a typical side effect of probenecid/colchicine. But this medication can cause headaches and tiredness, which might make you feel sleepy. Usually, the symptoms are mild and should go away with time. But if you're feeling too sleepy to get through the day, talk to a healthcare professional (HCP). This might be a symptom of a condition that needs more medical attention.
            Does probenecid/colchicine cause weight gain?
            No, weight gain wasn't a reported side effect by people who took probenecid/colchicine during clinical studies. Contact your primary care provider if you've had concerning weight gain after starting probenecid/colchicine. Your primary care provider can help evaluate you for other potential causes for the weight gain.
            Do you take allopurinol with probenecid/colchicine?
            Your healthcare professional (HCP) might prescribe allopurinol (Zyloprim) and probenecid/colchicine together, depending on how severe your gout symptoms are and your risk for gout attacks. Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is usually a first-choice medication prescribed to prevent gout flares. But if this medication alone isn't working well, your HCP might consider adding on probenecid/colchicine. Talk with your healthcare team if you've questions about your medications.
            Is probenecid/colchicine safe to take while pregnant?
            No, don't take probenecid/colchicine if you're pregnant because it can cause harm to your unborn baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your prescriber about alternative medications.
            Does probenecid/colchicine have any interactions with other medications?
            Yes, probenecid/colchicine can interact with other medications. For example, probenecid can raise the levels of certain medications, such as methotrexate and glipizide, and put you at higher risk for their side effects. Another example is there are certain medications that can raise the levels of colchicine, such as azole antifungals and macrolide antibiotics, and these can put you at risk for serious side effects from probenecid/colchicine. Before starting probenecid/colchicine, ask your healthcare team to help you check for medication interactions.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Probenecid/colchicine?

            Probenecid/colchicine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            More gout attacks

            Some people have experienced more gout flares after starting probenecid/colchicine. If you experience this, talk with your healthcare team right away. They might prescribe another gout medication, such as allopurinol (Zyloprim), for you to take with probenecid/colchicine to help prevent gout attacks.

            risk-warning

            Kidney stones and kidney injury

            • Risk factors: History of kidney problems or kidney stones | Dehydration

              People who take probenecid/colchicine can develop kidney stones. Sometimes, these kidney stones can lead to kidney injury. The risk might be higher for people who already have kidney problems or who've had kidney stones before.

              To prevent kidney stones, stay hydrated while taking probenecid/colchicine. Also try avoiding foods that can raise your risk for kidney stones. Get medical help if you have severe sharp pain towards your side and back, nausea, vomiting, or pain or burning when urinating. These might be signs of a kidney stone.

              risk-warning

              Abnormal blood conditions

              • Risk factors: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

                People with a genetic condition called G6PD deficiency are at higher risk of developing rare, but serious blood problems while taking probenecid. If you have G6PD deficiency or experience these symptoms, talk to your prescriber to see whether there's another medication for gout that's safer for you.

                dosage

                Probenecid/colchicine dosage forms

                The average cost for 90 tablets of 500mg/0.5mg of Probenecid/colchicine is $41.39 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75% off the average retail price of $165.59.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                500mg/0.5mg90 tablets$41.39$0.46

                Typical dosing for Probenecid/colchicine

                Each tablet contains 500 mg of probenecid and 0.5 mg of colchicine.

                • Adults: Your healthcare team will ask you to start probenecid/colchicine after gout attack symptoms have gone away. The typical starting dose is 1 tablet by mouth once per day for 1 week, then 1 tablet by mouth twice per day. If your gout symptoms aren't controlled, your prescriber can raise your dose every 4 weeks by 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 4 tablets once per day. Your prescriber might adjust your dose based on uric acid levels.

                • Children ages 2 years and older: Your child's pediatrician to see what dose your child should take.

                interactions

                Interactions between Probenecid/colchicine and other drugs

                Probenecid/colchicine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Probenecid/colchicine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                drug-cost

                How much does Probenecid/colchicine cost?

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                Probenecid/colchicine (generic)
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                contraindications-icon

                Probenecid/colchicine contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Probenecid/colchicine will not be safe for you to take.

                • Current gout attack

                • Children under 2 years of age

                • Currently pregnant

                • Abnormal blood conditions

                • Uric acid kidney stones

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Probenecid/colchicine?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Probenecid/colchicine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Probenecid/colchicine
                Used for:
                $41.39 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
                Used for:
                $4.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Colchicine
                Used for:

                • Gout prevention

                • Gout treatment - tablets only

                • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) - tablets only

                $8.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Probenecid/colchicine images

                White Oblong Dan Dan And 5325 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Dan Dan" And "5325".White Oblong Dan Dan And 5325 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet
                White Oblong C81 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C81".White Oblong C81 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet
                White Oblong Cl 025 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Cl 025".White Oblong Cl 025 - Probenecid / Colchicine 500mg-0.5mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2024). Probenecid- probenecid tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                FitzGerald, J. D., et al. (2020). 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout. Arthritis Care & Research.

                Leung, Y. Y., et al. (2015). Colchicine--Update on mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.

                View All References (2)

                MedlinePlus. (2023). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. (2023). Probenecid and colchicine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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