Colchicine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Is Colchicine Still Hard to Find in 2026?

If you've had trouble filling your Colchicine prescription recently, you're probably wondering: is there an official shortage? The short answer is that Colchicine is not currently listed on the FDA Drug Shortage database as of early 2026. However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf.

Many patients continue to report spotty availability at individual pharmacies, driven by supply chain factors, demand shifts, and inventory decisions at the local level. In this update, we'll cover what's actually going on with Colchicine supply, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do if you can't find it.

Is Colchicine in Shortage Right Now?

As of March 2026, there is no official nationwide Colchicine shortage listed by the FDA or ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists). Generic Colchicine 0.6 mg tablets and capsules are being manufactured by multiple companies, and overall supply is adequate at the national level.

That said, you may still encounter stock-outs at individual pharmacies. This is different from a true shortage — it means the drug exists in the supply chain, but your specific pharmacy may not have it at that moment.

Why Your Pharmacy Might Be Out

• Local demand spikes — if several patients in your area fill Colchicine prescriptions around the same time, a pharmacy can temporarily run out
• Ordering cycles — pharmacies order from wholesalers on set schedules, and a popular medication can sell out between orders
• Distributor allocation — during periods of high demand, wholesalers may limit how much each pharmacy can order
• New cardiovascular indication — the 2023 FDA approval of Lodoco (Colchicine 0.5 mg) for heart disease expanded the patient population, increasing overall demand

Why Has Colchicine Been Hard to Find?

Colchicine has a complicated supply history. Here's a quick timeline:

• Pre-2009: Colchicine was sold as an unapproved drug for decades at very low prices (pennies per pill)
• 2009: The FDA approved Colcrys (brand-name Colchicine) and removed unapproved versions from the market, creating a temporary monopoly and a price spike from about $0.09 per pill to over $5 per pill
• 2012-2015: Generic competition began to return as FDA exclusivity periods expired
• 2023: FDA approved Lodoco (0.5 mg) for cardiovascular risk reduction, opening a major new market
• 2024-2026: Multiple generic manufacturers now produce Colchicine, but demand from the cardiovascular indication continues to grow

For a deeper look, read our article on why Colchicine is so hard to find.

What Does Colchicine Cost in 2026?

The cost of Colchicine varies widely depending on whether you're paying cash, using insurance, or applying a discount coupon:

• Cash price (no insurance, no coupon): $150 to $230 for 30 tablets of generic Colchicine 0.6 mg
• With a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon: As low as $15 to $18 for 30 tablets
• Cost Plus Drugs: Around $10.70 for 30 tablets (plus shipping)
• With insurance: Typically $5 to $30 co-pay for generic, depending on your plan
• Brand-name Colcrys: Can exceed $300 for 30 tablets without insurance
• Brand-name Lodoco (0.5 mg): Newer product, pricing varies — check with your insurer

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Colchicine in 2026.

New Options and Developments

Several developments are improving Colchicine access in 2026:

• Multiple generic manufacturers: Competition among generic makers has helped bring prices down and improve availability compared to the post-2009 monopoly era
• Expanded formulations: Colchicine is now available as tablets (0.6 mg and 0.5 mg), capsules (0.6 mg), and an oral solution (Gloperba), giving patients and pharmacists more options
• Patient assistance programs: Takeda's Help at Hand program provides free Colcrys to eligible uninsured patients. Additional programs through NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help with costs
• Telehealth access: Many telehealth platforms can now prescribe Colchicine for gout, making it easier to get a prescription without an in-person visit

How to Find Colchicine in Stock

If your pharmacy is out of Colchicine, here's what to do:

1. Check Medfinder — search by zip code to find pharmacies near you with Colchicine in stock
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have more flexible ordering than chains
3. Ask about different formulations — if the 0.6 mg tablet is out, try the capsule or oral solution
4. Try mail-order — Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy carry generic Colchicine
5. Plan ahead — refill 7 to 10 days before you run out

For detailed strategies, read our guide on how to find Colchicine in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

While there's no official Colchicine shortage in 2026, availability can still be a challenge at the individual pharmacy level. The good news is that multiple manufacturers, expanded formulations, and tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to find and afford your medication.

If you're concerned about Colchicine availability, don't wait for a crisis. Plan your refills ahead, explore different pharmacies, and consider discount programs to keep your costs down. And if you truly can't find Colchicine, talk to your doctor about alternative medications that may work for your condition.