Colchicine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Is Colchicine Still Hard to Find in 2026?

If you rely on Colchicine for gout, familial Mediterranean fever, pericarditis, or cardiovascular protection, you may have noticed that filling your prescription isn't always smooth. You're not imagining it — while Colchicine isn't on the FDA's official Drug Shortage list as of early 2026, many patients across the country continue to experience stock-outs at their local pharmacies.

This article breaks down the current state of Colchicine availability, why it's been hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and the concrete steps you can take to get your prescription filled.

Is Colchicine Officially in Shortage?

As of March 2026, Colchicine is not listed on the FDA's Drug Shortage Database. That means the FDA hasn't declared a nationwide shortage. However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf.

The reality is more nuanced. Colchicine supply is best described as "tight but not gone." Stock levels vary by:

• Geography: Some regions have more consistent supply than others
• Pharmacy type: Chain pharmacies tend to run out before independent ones
• Manufacturer: Some generic manufacturers may have intermittent production gaps
• Formulation: Generic 0.6 mg tablets may be harder to find than brand-name options like Mitigare or Gloperba

So while it's not an official shortage, the practical experience for many patients feels like one.

Why Is Colchicine Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to ongoing availability challenges:

Limited Generic Manufacturers

Only a small number of companies manufacture generic Colchicine. When even one manufacturer has a production hiccup — whether from raw material sourcing issues, quality control, or equipment problems — it creates a ripple effect. Pharmacies that relied on that manufacturer suddenly can't restock.

The Colcrys Market Exclusivity Legacy

Colchicine has a complicated market history. When the FDA granted Takeda exclusive rights to sell Colcrys in 2009, it pulled inexpensive unapproved generics off the market. Prices skyrocketed from about $0.09 per pill to over $5. While generic competition has since returned and prices have come down, the number of manufacturers never fully recovered to pre-2009 levels.

Expanding Indications = More Demand

The 2023 FDA approval of Lodoco (Colchicine 0.5 mg) for reducing cardiovascular events added millions of potential new patients. Cardiologists now prescribe Colchicine alongside statins for patients with established heart disease. This new demand competes with existing supply for gout and FMF patients.

Supply Chain Pressures

Colchicine is derived from plant-based raw materials (the autumn crocus). Agricultural supply chains face their own challenges — weather, trade disruptions, and limited growing regions all affect the availability of pharmaceutical-grade colchicine alkaloid.

What Does Colchicine Cost in 2026?

The cost of Colchicine depends on whether you use insurance, a discount coupon, or pay cash:

• Retail cash price (no insurance): $150–$250 for 30 generic Colchicine 0.6 mg tablets
• With a discount coupon (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $8–$15 for 30 tablets
• Brand-name Colcrys: Significantly more expensive — often $300+ for 30 tablets without insurance
• With insurance: Most plans cover generic Colchicine with a Tier 2 or Tier 3 copay, typically $10–$40

If cost is a concern, read our full guide: How to Save Money on Colchicine in 2026.

New Options and Formulations

One advantage patients have in 2026 is more choices. Colchicine is available in four FDA-approved formulations:

• Colcrys (0.6 mg tablet) — for gout treatment/prevention and FMF
• Mitigare (0.6 mg capsule) — for gout prevention
• Gloperba (0.6 mg/5 mL solution) — a liquid option for gout prevention
• Lodoco (0.5 mg tablet) — for cardiovascular risk reduction

If your pharmacy is out of one formulation, another may be available. Ask your doctor if switching formulations makes sense for your situation. For example, if generic 0.6 mg tablets are unavailable, Mitigare capsules contain the same dose and may be in stock.

For a full overview of the drug, visit What Is Colchicine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How to Find Colchicine in Stock Right Now

Here's your action plan:

1. Search Medfinder

Start at Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you currently have Colchicine available. It's the fastest way to check real-time stock without making a dozen phone calls.

2. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have access to different wholesalers and may carry Colchicine when chain pharmacies don't. They're also more likely to place a special order for you.

3. Ask About Mail-Order

If you take Colchicine daily, a 90-day mail-order supply can be more reliable and often cheaper. Check with your insurance plan for their preferred mail-order pharmacy.

4. Check Different Formulations

If tablets are out, ask about capsules (Mitigare) or oral solution (Gloperba). A different form of the same medication may be sitting on the shelf.

5. Talk to Your Doctor About Backup Plans

If you can't find Colchicine at all, your doctor can prescribe a temporary alternative. For gout, options include Indomethacin, Naproxen, and Prednisone. Learn more in our guide to Colchicine alternatives.

Final Thoughts

While Colchicine isn't in official shortage in 2026, supply remains uneven and many patients struggle to find it at their regular pharmacy. The situation is driven by a small manufacturer base, growing demand from new indications, and lingering effects of the Colcrys market exclusivity era.

The most important thing you can do is stay proactive: refill early, use tools like Medfinder, and have a backup plan in place with your doctor. You shouldn't have to go without a medication you need — and with the right approach, you don't have to.