Newest Gout Treatment Is The Oldest
Posted by GoutPal in Gout Cures, tags: colcrys, _colchicineTurns out it is just our old friend colchicine, rebranded by URL Pharma.
This could be the biggest non-news gout story so far!
There is some benefit to gout sufferers – clearer dosage information. But fruit juice addicts need to be wary.
As part of the approval submission, URL Pharma have done dosage tests and conclude that lower doses than the “traditional” 4.8mg per day are just as effective. They suggest that 2 tablets (1.2mg) followed by a further .6mg tablet one hour later is the best dose.
You can read more patient information about colchicine dosing and side effects in the colchicine drug guide. FDA information to healthcare providers includes a note that they “carefully consider the need for additional subsequent dosing”.
The colchicine drug guide provides an extensive list of drugs that might interact with colchicine. Included in this list is grapefruit juice. Note that other potential CYP3A4 inhibitors include pomegranate, Seville oranges, pomello and star fruit.
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The Statin drug I took ,just twice with Colchicine, is also not to be taken with Grapefruit – and I can assure readers that you definitely wouldn’t want these two drugs together many times, so they have even more in common.
[...] Posted on August 10, 2009 by Gout Pal Hot on the heals of the new colchicine brand (Colcrys) article, a summarizing piece on zip2pla’ys colchicine dosing recommendations is well past [...]
Is there any indication that plain old unapproved Colchicine will no longer be available?
A person posted this on another list and said Colcrys would be from $300. to $800. a month for persons taking it daily for FMF.
This only applies to USA where Colcrys is marketed. I see no reason for existing manufacturers to stop producing it generically, unless they see more cash from taking the same path.
Gout patients need to be firm with their doctors and insist on the generic version.
In fact, we need a complete boycott of Colcrys to underline the folly of this type of action.
Great!!!
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Actually, I may have spoken too soon. Has the great colchicine scandal already gone too far?
To the group and to History Chaser:
I know History Chaser. My data is factual and I do not lie. What you have read in what I have written on my list is the truth so far as I have been able to find it at this point.
The manufacturer of colcrys is suing all USA pharmaceuticals who presently make generic colchicine. At this point, I can find no manufacturer who is still producing it. My pharmacist has 500 tabs on hand and is unable to find anyone who will be able to deliver more.
Price for generic colchicine has been about 11 cents per 0.6mg tablet.
Price for colcrys is going to be approx. $5.00 for 0.6mg tablet.
Except for the fact that I will DIE without colchicine treatment which completely stops the production of amyloids leading to death for FMF patients, I would agree with the complete boycott of colcrys.
Secondly, I will be unable to afford colcrys in any case.
I am terrified that I will go back to being bed-ridden and in excruciating pain, and DIE because I can not afford colcrys. I do NOT want to DIE.
Someone needs to look into price fixing.
Nancy
Nancy, I’m shocked, but I’m sure we can do something to help.
First step is to co-ordinate a united response. If you think this needs a separate website, I can set one up. Otherwise we can use yours.
We need to find ways to hit URL Pharma in the pocket, as this is the only way they will relent.
I’ll put some ideas together and get back to you ASAP.
Cochicine is a very old treatment.
It is derived from crocus pollen and can be produced in traditional ways.
Agreed, it a dangerous drug to overdose on @~ 0.5mg treatment level and therefore to be treated with much respect.
Big Pharma is not geting your respect right now- so some research into alternatives could be a welcome distraction for you right now!
trev,
Herbal colchicine is so diluted that using it is of no benefit to FMF users. Trying to find other ways to get it may take me to Israel at least via e-mail for ordering from them:-)
Look forward to hearing more from you guys. I have written to every politico I can think of plus the FDA, Pharma itself and LOTS of media and tv show hosts here in the States. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Nancy
This is not good.
Nancy, can you share the contact information at the FDA that we can send our concerns to as well? If we all focus on one point at the FDA, it may elicit a real effort on their part to listen!
Thanks everyone for jumping on board!
HI Guys!
Here are the two places where I have put comments/e-mails to the FDA
See this url for form for comments:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/email/cder/comment.cfm
Write this e-dress for e-mail to fda
druginfo@fda.hhs.gov
thanks
Nancy