Why Is Gloperba So Hard to Find?

If you've been prescribed Gloperba and struggled to fill your prescription, you're not alone. Many patients across the country have reported difficulty finding this medication at their local pharmacy. In this article, we'll explain exactly why Gloperba is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.

What Is Gloperba?

Gloperba is the brand name for an oral liquid formulation of Colchicine, a medication used to prevent gout flares in adults. It was approved by the FDA in 2018 and is the only FDA-approved liquid form of Colchicine available in the United States.

This liquid form is especially important for patients who have trouble swallowing pills, such as elderly patients, people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or those who use feeding tubes. Each 5 mL dose contains 0.6 mg of Colchicine. For more details about the drug itself, see our guide on What Is Gloperba: Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

Reason 1: Single Manufacturer

One of the biggest reasons Gloperba is hard to find is that it is made by only one manufacturer. Unlike generic Colchicine tablets, which are produced by multiple companies, Gloperba is a brand-name product with a single source of production.

When only one company makes a drug, any disruption in their manufacturing process — whether it's a raw material shortage, equipment problems, or quality control issues — can cause supply problems across the entire country. There is no backup manufacturer to pick up the slack.

Reason 2: No Generic Liquid Colchicine

While generic Colchicine tablets are widely available and relatively affordable, there is no generic version of the liquid formulation. Gloperba holds this unique position in the market. This means patients who specifically need a liquid form of Colchicine have no alternative generic option to turn to.

For patients who can take tablets, switching to generic Colchicine tablets or brand-name options like Colcrys or Mitigare may be an option. Learn more in our article on Alternatives to Gloperba If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Reason 3: High Cost Limits Pharmacy Stocking

Gloperba can cost $500 to $700 or more per month without insurance. Because of this high price tag, many pharmacies — especially smaller independent ones — may choose not to keep it in stock. Stocking an expensive medication that only a few patients need ties up a pharmacy's budget.

Large chain pharmacies may be more likely to carry it or order it, but even they may not always have it on the shelf. This means patients often have to call multiple pharmacies or wait for a special order. For tips on reducing costs, check out How to Save Money on Gloperba in 2026.

Reason 4: Insurance Coverage Issues

Many insurance plans may not cover Gloperba, or they may require prior authorization before they'll pay for it. Some plans may prefer that patients try generic Colchicine tablets first (called "step therapy") before approving Gloperba.

When insurance doesn't cover the drug or makes it hard to get approved, pharmacies see less demand. Lower demand means less reason to keep it stocked, which makes it even harder to find.

Reason 5: Supply Chain Disruptions

Like many medications, Gloperba can be affected by broader supply chain issues. Raw material shortages, shipping delays, and manufacturing bottlenecks can all contribute to periods where the drug is harder to find than usual.

For the latest information on availability, read our Gloperba Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.

Reason 6: Small Patient Population

Gloperba serves a relatively small group of patients — specifically, gout patients who need a liquid formulation. While gout itself is common (affecting about 9 million Americans), only a small fraction of those patients require a liquid form of Colchicine.

This small market size means the drug doesn't generate the same volume of sales as more widely used medications, which can affect how much the manufacturer produces and how aggressively pharmacies stock it.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Gloperba?

If you're having trouble finding Gloperba, here are some steps you can take:

• Use MedFinder: Visit medfinder.com to search for pharmacies near you that have Gloperba in stock. This tool helps you locate availability in real time.
• Call multiple pharmacies: Don't give up after one call. Try chain pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and hospital outpatient pharmacies. See our guide on How to Find Gloperba in Stock Near You.
• Ask your doctor about alternatives: If the liquid form isn't medically necessary for you, your doctor may be able to switch you to Colchicine tablets. Read about your options in Alternatives to Gloperba.
• Check for patient assistance programs: The manufacturer and third-party organizations may offer savings programs. Learn more in our savings guide.
• Ask your pharmacy to order it: Even if a pharmacy doesn't have Gloperba on the shelf, they can often order it from their wholesaler. It may take a few days, but this is a reliable option if you can plan ahead.

The Bottom Line

Gloperba is hard to find because it's a single-source, brand-name liquid medication with a high price tag, limited demand, and no generic equivalent. Supply chain issues and insurance hurdles make the situation worse.

The good news is that tools like MedFinder can help you locate it faster, and there are alternatives available if your doctor agrees they're right for you. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself — talk to your pharmacist, your doctor, and your insurance company to explore all your options.