krystexxa

Krystexxa (pegloticase) is an enzyme that metabolizes uric acid into a harmless chemical that is eliminated from the body in urine.

Krystexxa is used to treat chronic gout. Pegloticase is usually given after other gout medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Krystexxa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not receive Krystexxa if you are allergic to pegloticase, or if you have a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Some drugs can interact with Krystexxa and should not be used at the same time, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim), probenecid (Benemid), or febuxostat (Uloric).

To make sure Krystexxa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have gout, congestive heart failure, other heart problems, or high blood pressure.

You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of Krystexxa. You may need to start taking these medications at least a week before you receive your injection. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor"s advice. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel itchy, nervous, light-headed, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest discomfort, or redness of your skin when the medicine is injected into your vein.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Krystexxa if you are allergic to pegloticase, or if you have a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Some drugs can interact with Krystexxa and should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• allopurinol (Zyloprim);

• probenecid (Benemid); or

• febuxostat (Uloric).

To make sure Krystexxa is safe for you, tell your doctor about your other medical conditions, especially:

• gout;

• congestive heart failure;

• other heart problems; or

• high blood pressure.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Krystexxa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether pegloticase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Krystexxa?

Krystexxa is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The injection must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.

You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of Krystexxa. You may need to start taking these medications at least a week before you receive your Krystexxa injection. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor"s advice.

Krystexxa is usually given once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor"s dosing instructions very carefully.

When you first start using Krystexxa, you may have an increase in gout flares. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 months of treatment.

Your doctor may recommend other gout medications during the first 6 months of your treatment with Krystexxa.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Krystexxa. Visit your doctor regularly.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Krystexxa injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Krystexxa side effects

Some people receiving a Krystexxa injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Infusion reactions may also occur after the injection is given. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel itchy, nervous, light-headed, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest discomfort, or redness of your skin during the injection. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Krystexxa: hives; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain; or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Less serious Krystexxa side effects may include:

• new gout flares;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• easy bruising; or

• stuffy nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Krystexxa?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Krystexxa. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.