Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Colchicine (Colcrys) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $20 – $80 | $5 – $25 |
| 0.6mg Brand Colcrys (30-day) | $150 – $250 | $25 – $50 |
| 0.6mg Acute Gout Course (generic) | $10 – $30 | $0 – $10 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Generic Tier 2; brand Colcrys Tier 3; some plans restrict to generic
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Brand Colcrys costs $150 to $250/month because the manufacturer obtained FDA exclusivity for this ancient drug. Generic versions now cost $20 to $80.
For acute gout: 1.2mg at first sign, then 0.6mg one hour later. Total first-day dose is 1.8mg. Lower doses are as effective as older high-dose regimens.
Yes, low-dose colchicine (0.6mg once or twice daily) is used for gout flare prophylaxis, especially when starting allopurinol.