ColciGel®: A Superior Alternative for Acute Gout Flares

ColciGel® A new agent, ColciGel®, has recently emerged for the treatment of acute flares of gout. ColciGel is a transdermal gel preparation of Colchicinum (colchicine in its homeopathic state) that is applied topically. ColciGel contains Colchicinum 4X in a proprietary Organogel that is applied directly to the site of acute flares. It is supplied as an airless 15ml container that delivers 0.25 ml of ColciGel® per pump. When ColciGel® is applied to the site of the acute gout flare, it crosses the dermal layer and reduces the inflammation and pain associated with the flare. With the topical application of ColciGel®, only minimal amounts of colchicine enter systemic circulation, reaching sub-clinical concentrations of <50 pg/mL. The combination of avoiding the gastrointestinal (GI) system and sub-clinical systemic circulation allows ColciGel® to avoid the tolerability and safety issues commonly seen with oral colchicine. ColciGel® patients report a 50% or greater decrease in pain and inflammation within a few hours and improved pain relief with additional applications. The typical GI side effects usually seen with oral colchicine have not been observed with transdermal ColciGel®.