Alternatives to Gloperba If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you've been prescribed Gloperba and can't find it at your pharmacy, you may be wondering what other options are available. The good news is that there are several alternatives worth discussing with your doctor. In this guide, we'll cover every option — from other forms of Colchicine to entirely different gout prevention medications.

Why You Might Need an Alternative

Gloperba is the only FDA-approved liquid form of Colchicine. It's made by a single manufacturer, and supply can be limited. It's also expensive — often $500 to $700+ per month without insurance. For a full breakdown of why it's hard to find, see Why Is Gloperba So Hard to Find?

Whatever the reason — shortage, cost, or insurance denial — knowing your alternatives can help you stay on track with your gout prevention.

Alternative 1: Generic Colchicine Tablets

The most straightforward alternative to Gloperba is generic Colchicine tablets. These contain the same active ingredient (Colchicine 0.6 mg) in tablet form. Generic Colchicine is widely available and significantly cheaper than Gloperba — often under $30 per month with a discount card.

Who this works for: Patients who can swallow tablets without difficulty. If your doctor prescribed Gloperba because of a swallowing problem, tablets may not be appropriate — talk to your doctor first.

Alternative 2: Colcrys (Brand Colchicine Tablets)

Colcrys is a brand-name Colchicine tablet (0.6 mg). It's FDA-approved for both gout flare treatment and prevention. It's more expensive than generic Colchicine but more widely available than Gloperba. If your insurance covers brand-name medications, Colcrys may be an option.

Alternative 3: Mitigare (Brand Colchicine Capsules)

Mitigare is another brand-name Colchicine product, available as a 0.6 mg capsule. It's specifically approved for gout flare prevention (prophylaxis). Like Colcrys, it contains the same active ingredient as Gloperba but in a solid oral form.

Alternative 4: Compounded Liquid Colchicine

If you need a liquid form of Colchicine — for example, because you have difficulty swallowing or use a feeding tube — a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare a liquid Colchicine formulation for you.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and quality can vary between compounding pharmacies. However, this can be a viable option when Gloperba is unavailable. Your doctor will need to write a prescription specifically for the compounding pharmacy. Make sure to choose a compounding pharmacy that is accredited (look for PCAB accreditation).

Alternative 5: NSAIDs for Gout Flare Prevention

For some patients, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used as an alternative approach to gout flare prevention, particularly during the early months of urate-lowering therapy. Common options include:

• Indomethacin
• Naproxen
• Sulindac

NSAIDs work differently than Colchicine and come with their own side effects, including stomach irritation, kidney issues, and cardiovascular risks. They're not appropriate for everyone, especially older adults or people with kidney disease. Discuss this option carefully with your doctor.

Alternative 6: Urate-Lowering Therapies

While Gloperba is used to prevent gout flares, a different approach is to lower the uric acid levels that cause gout in the first place. Urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) include:

• Allopurinol — The most commonly prescribed ULT. It reduces uric acid production. Available as a generic tablet and very affordable.
• Febuxostat (Uloric) — Another option for reducing uric acid production. May be used if Allopurinol isn't tolerated.
• Probenecid — Works by helping the kidneys remove more uric acid. Less commonly used but effective for some patients.
• Pegloticase (Krystexxa) — An IV infusion for severe, treatment-resistant gout. Used only when other therapies have failed.

It's important to note that Colchicine (including Gloperba) is often prescribed alongside urate-lowering therapy to prevent flares during the early months of treatment. These aren't always direct replacements — talk to your doctor about the best combination for you.

Alternative 7: Corticosteroids

In some cases, low-dose corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) may be used for gout flare prevention, especially in patients who can't take Colchicine or NSAIDs. Corticosteroids are widely available and inexpensive, but long-term use carries risks including weight gain, blood sugar elevation, and bone thinning.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find or afford Gloperba, here's how to approach the conversation with your doctor:

1. Explain the situation: Let them know Gloperba is unavailable or too expensive.
2. Ask about tablet Colchicine: If you can swallow pills, this is usually the simplest switch.
3. Discuss your specific needs: If you need a liquid form, ask about compounding pharmacies.
4. Review your full gout treatment plan: This is a good time to make sure your urate-lowering therapy is optimized.

For help finding Gloperba before giving up, try MedFinder or read our guide on How to Find Gloperba in Stock Near You. For tips on reducing costs, see How to Save Money on Gloperba in 2026.

The Bottom Line

If you can't fill your Gloperba prescription, you have options. Generic Colchicine tablets are the closest and most affordable substitute for most patients. If you specifically need a liquid form, compounding is worth exploring. And for patients open to a different approach, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and urate-lowering therapies are all possibilities.

The most important thing is to not stop your gout prevention without talking to your doctor. Gaps in treatment can lead to painful flares. Work with your healthcare team to find the right alternative for you.