Gout Pal Interactive

Just checked with my online prescription provider, Medco, and they note that Cochicine has been discontinued by the manufacturer… The rep that I was finally able to talk to, ( I just despise those interactive phone IVR systems!), actually tracked down a pharmacist and he concurred, and suggested Indomethacine as an alternative…

I thought Indo-meth was just to relived the pain, not help resolve the symptoms? I have plenty of that, but it makes me goofier than usual if I take it too frequently!!!

Post edited 7:39 pm – September 21, 2009 by zip2play

Oh, that is AWFUL news if true.

But then I really doubt if ONE priovider controls the market of one of the oldest drugs in the parmacopeia.

But as a precaution, when I next see my doctor, I'll be sure to get myself 60 more…I think I have about 100.

Indocin is a poor second in that it doesn't work nearly as well, causes gastritis and worse in a LOT of people, and makes ME very dizzy.

Post edited 7:42 pm – September 21, 2009 by ruff12two

  No one mentioned the Manufacturerer, by name, but according to the Publix pharmacist they have been ordering it at every opportunity, and their distribution center just advises them it is out of stock, for the forseeable future…

So they put my name on the list of all the other patients that have attempted a refill!

If Medco and Publix are unable to get an order filled… I have to believe that it's an issue!

I attempted to call Wal*Mart for their take.. but since I do not have a perscription on file with them, I kept getting batted around thier IVR… could not even opt for a live person!

How much Indomethacine can a body tolerate in a day?

I can't say much about indomethacin – it's a popular NSAID for gout, but I have always been OK with ibuprofen at a 800mg dose (absolute max 3200mg per day, but I haven't gone that far since hospital).

I missed your earlier point when you said “I thought Indo-meth was just to relived the pain, not help resolve the symptoms?”. This is also true of ibuprofen AND colchicine – they are all pain relievers that act through reducing inflammation – however, colchicine is very specific for gout (and one or two other diseases).

Back to the colchicine shortage issue. I hope it is simply a result of excess demand caused by fears of a shortage, rather than all producers pulling the plug.

zip2play said:

I've got 2 different cochicines:

Yellow with 2577 on one side and a V on the other…I think it is made by Qualitest.

White with 044 on one side…made by Alphagen.

Anybody else (just google Pill identifier and the code on your pill or go to http://www.drugs.com)

Gee, maybe I'm the one responsible for the shortage by telling the millions who read this forum that they should each be taking 16 at a pop…MY BAD!

Thanks for that, zip2play – (I think we were typing at the same time, but as usual you were quicker)

I've emailed Qualitest to try and clarify their position. No website or email address found for Alphagen, but they are in Alpharetta, GA if anyone is near enough to knock on the door (Alphagen Labs Inc is located at 11525 N Fulton Industrial Blvd Alpharetta, GA. Phone: 770-475-8973).

Mine, a generic in the UK, have CP joined together.

Reverse is blank.  I will enquire about any shortage later.

Well, – they have it in my local pharmacy [UK] , with no known problem of supplies.

I will get another 30 in case -and add to the panic!

Someone is paying more to stop production than was being realised in profit, if this is widespread.

zip2play said:

Does anyone have a colchicine that is DIFFERENT from the two we mentioned, the yellow 2557-V or the white 044?

I have white WEST-WARD 201

http://www.drugs.com/imprints/…..-3283.html

zip2play said:

Does anyone have a colchicine that is DIFFERENT from the two we mentioned, the yellow 2557-V or the white 044?

Mine say VP2.  Just refillled a Rx today at Walmart

WHat is the CANADIAN story…anyone???