Pegloticase
Drug Class: Uric acid drugs (PEGylated uric acid specific enzyme)
Brand Names: Krystexxa
Dosages
8 mg every 2 weeks by IV infusion.
Potential Side Effects
Bruising; constipation; gout flare; infusion reactions during or shortly after treatment (including a change in blood pressure, chest pain, difficulty breathing or hives); nausea; severe allergic reaction; vomiting.
Special Instructions
Do not take this drug if you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), sometimes called favism. Your doctor may test you for this inherited condition before starting treatment.
Gout flares may increase in the first 3 months after starting this drug. Do not stop treatment even if you have more attacks. Your doctor may give you other medications to help manage flares.
Be Aware
Before starting pegloticase, tell your doctor if you have heart problems or high blood pressure or if you are planning to get pregnant or breastfeed. Severe allergic reactions are common in people who take this medication and may occur up to 2 hours after the infusion. Your doctor may order corticosteroids and antihistamines prior to treatment to reduce this risk.
LAST UPDATED: 03/27/2014