KRYSTEXXA®
KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) was approved by the FDA to treat people suffering from chronic gout. Unlike other gout medications, KRYSTEXXA is administered intravenously (via IV) and works to lower years of uric acid build up. If other medications prescribed by your doctor have failed to improve gout symptoms, KRYSTEXXA may be an option.
What is Gout?
Gout is a disease that develops when the body stores too much uric acid. The uric acid creates sharp crystals that settle around the joints, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes visible bumps (tophi).
Gout may affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly develops on the big toe. Other commonly affected areas include the elbows, ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers.
Excess uric acid can often be attributed to diets high in purines (purines convert into uric acid when consumed). Foods like sugar, alcohol, red meats and some seafood are notoriously high in purines. A family history of the disease, as well as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, obesity, and hypertension, also increase your chances of developing chronic gout.
How KRYSTEXXA® Works
KRYSTEXXA therapy is administered via infusion, typically once every two weeks for approximately six months. Your doctor will determine the length of your treatment based on your individual needs.
Prior to each KRYSTEXXA infusion, patients receive uric acid level testing to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood. Your doctor may also prescribe methotrexate, an immunosuppressive medication that helps improve the effectiveness of treatment. Pain relievers and antihistamines, such as acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, are often prescribed and taken during treatment.
Patients on KRYSTEXXA have experienced drops in their uric acid levels after starting KRYSTEXXA. That’s because the medication transforms uric acid into allantoins, a water-soluble substance. KRYSTEXXA may dissolve most of the excess uric acid buildup within six months.
How to Get Started
If you are suffering from chronic gout after trying several other treatments, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for KRYSTEXXA at InfuseAble Care.
InfuseAble Care is a Gout Center of Excellence and an industry leader in treating patients with KRYSTEXXA IV therapy for gout. Our same-day, in-clinic uric acid testing, expert infusion nurses, and streamlined patient and provider communication ensure that our patients receive the treatment they need.
Questions on how to get started? Contact a member of our team.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about thyroid eye disease or infusion therapy, contact us directly. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better health.