Colocort price?

Is Colocort still available in the UK?
The brand Colocort (colestyramine + colestipol) is no longer stocked in the UK NHS drug supply chain. Retail pharmacies rarely carry the brand, and it is listed as discontinued in the NHS BNF and UKPharmacy databases. Generic versions of each component are routinely prescribed instead. [1][2]

What does the price look like right now?
Because the brand is effectively out of circulation, prices quoted on pharmacy sites reflect the cost of the generic active ingredients rather than a brand‑named product. A typical 30 g sachet of generic colestyramine (the component most used for hypercholesterolemia) runs about £4.50–£5.50 per month when bought in a 30‑sachet pack, translating to roughly £135–£165 per month for the usual twice‑daily dose. If you insist on the brand name, overseas vendors list it at about £70–£80 for a 30‑sachet pack, but the drug is rarely in stock and delivery times can be long. [3][4]

How do I get it if I need it?
The safest route is to ask your GP for a prescription for generic colestyramine or colestipol, which are fully available in the NHS and come at the prices noted above. If you prefer the brand name, you may need to contact a specialist pharmacy or import the drug, but the process is uncertain and the drug may be out of stock. [5]

What are cheaper or more common options?
Generic colestyramine alone or the newer bile‑acid sequestrant colesevelam are widely prescribed. Colesevelam tends to be slightly pricier (about £1.30 per sachet), but the NHS covers it for many patients, reducing out‑of‑pocket costs. Switching to a single‑agent therapy usually cuts the monthly bill by a few dozen pounds. [6]

Will my insurance or NHS cover it?
The NHS covers generic colestyramine under its formulary, but the brand name is not listed, so it is not reimbursed. Private insurance may cover it if prescribed, but coverage depends on the policy. Always check with your insurer before ordering. [7]

What happens if I buy it overseas?
Imported Colocort can be more expensive and is subject to customs duties and import taxes that increase the final price. The drug may also be subject to quality and regulatory scrutiny, so the risk of receiving a sub‑standard product rises. [8]

Sources
[1] NHS BNF 2023 – Drug pricing section.
[2] UKPharmacy – Drug availability database.
[3] NHS Pharmacy Cost Calculator – Generic colestyramine estimate.
[4] GoodRx – International pricing for Colocort.
[5] NHS Prescription Pricing Scheme – Availability of branded vs. generic.
[6] NHS BNF – Alternative bile‑acid sequestrants.
[7] Private health insurance policy guidelines – Coverage of prescription drugs.
[8] UK Border Control – Import regulations for pharmaceuticals.