Colchicine over the Counter
In this blog we’re going to explore Colchicine and its use. Many people think that colchicine can be bought over the counter. But it’s strictly a prescription-only medicine that is used primarily for gout. However, at Pharmacy Direct GB, you don’t need to go to your GP to get it.
Let’s take a closer look at colchicine right now and what you can do to get it from us.
What is Colchicine?
Colchicine tablets can serve as a preventive measure or treatment for gout flare-ups. Gout symptoms usually manifest rapidly, affecting one or more joints, though the most commonly impacted is the big toe. The root cause of gout is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to crystal formation in the joints, which in turn results in pain and inflammation. Colchicine is a medication designed to alleviate joint discomfort resulting from gout.
Acting as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, Colchicine functions by mitigating the inflammation triggered by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joints during a gout episode, thereby helping to relieve pain.
Its uses include:
- Treating acute gout attacks
- Preventing recurrent gout when initiating long-term therapies like allopurinol
- Managing symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a genetic inflammatory disorder
Can you buy Colchicine over the counter?
Colchicine is available only through a prescription and is dispensed in tablet form. It is there not available over the counter in pharmacies.
Alternative Solutions for Managing Gout Flare-ups
In case you can’t take colchicine or NSAIDs for managing gout flare-ups, an effective alternative could be a one-time intramuscular corticosteroid injection or a brief regimen of oral corticosteroids. Incorporating certain lifestyle modifications can also help curtail or ward off future gout episodes.
These lifestyle changes encompass:
- Attaining a healthy body weight
- Adhering to a well-rounded diet
- Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Reduce alcohol intake (or quit entirely)
- Quitting smoking
Getting starting on Gout Medication
The fact that you cannot but colchicine over the counter means that you’ll have to get it prescribed from a doctor, whether NHS or Privately. At Pharmacy Direct GB, we’ve helped 1000’s of people treat and prevent gout. Our solution is the fastest way to get Colchicine delivered to you. Don’t take it from us, take it from our growing reviews!
Colchicine 500mcg x 100 Tablets
This blog post was written on behalf of PharmacyDirectGB by Pharmacy Mentor. The content of this article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The information provided here is not meant to replace or serve as professional medical guidance. It’s important to consult with your physician to understand the risks and rewards of any treatment before proceeding.