US EditionCommon Gout Drug Shows Promise in Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
A Cochrane review of 12 trials with nearly 23,000 people found low-dose colchicine cut repeat heart attacks by 9 and strokes by 8 per 1,000 treated.
- On November 12, 2025 the Cochrane review found people with cardiovascular disease taking low-dose Colchicine had fewer repeat heart attacks and strokes, noting it is a low-cost gout medication.
- Because colchicine reduces inflammation, it is a plausible secondary prevention candidate since chronic low-grade inflammation increases risk of recurrent heart attacks and strokes.
- Some 11,524 trial participants received 0.5 mg colchicine, with about 80% male and ages ranging from 57 to 74, and half the trials compared colchicine with placebo or no treatment.
- For every 1,000 people treated there were 9 fewer heart attacks and 8 fewer strokes, and no serious adverse events were identified, though mild stomach or digestive side effects were more common.
- Evidence is unclear on longer‑term outcomes such as mortality and revascularization, as effects on overall mortality and coronary revascularization outcomes, quality of life and hospital stay metrics remain uncertain, so Cochrane review authors call for further research.
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11 Articles
This Inexpensive Anti-Inflammatory Pill Could Reduce Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A common gout drug may unexpectedly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to a major new review A commonly used and affordable medication for gout may help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease, according to a new Cochrane review. In this analysis, researchers evaluated the [...]
Cheap gout drug may slash heart attack and stroke risk
Colchicine, a cheap and widely used gout drug, may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease. Trials involving nearly 23,000 patients show meaningful reductions in risk with low doses. Side effects were mostly mild and short-lived. Researchers say this overlooked drug could become an accessible prevention tool pending further study.
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