Pegloticase (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2022.
Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions have been reported to occur during and after administration of pegloticase. Pegloticase should be administered in healthcare settings and by healthcare providers prepared to manage anaphylaxis and infusion reactions. Patients should be premedicated with antihistamines and corticosteroids and be closely monitored for an appropriate period of time for anaphylaxis after administration of pegloticase. Monitor serum uric acid levels prior to infusions and consider discontinuing treatment if levels increase to above 6 mg/dL, particularly when 2 consecutive levels above 6 mg/dL are observed. Do not administer pegloticase to patients with G6PD deficiency. Hemolysis and methemoglobinemia have been reported with pegloticase in patients with G6PD deficiency. Screen patients at risk for G6PD deficiency prior to starting pegloticase .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Krystexxa
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antigout
Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme
Uses for pegloticase
Pegloticase injection is used to treat chronic gout in adult patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well. Gout is a condition that is caused by too much uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).
Pegloticase injection works by causing less uric acid to be produced by the body. Pegloticase will not relieve a gout attack that has already started.
Pegloticase is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using pegloticase
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pegloticase, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pegloticase or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegloticase injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of pegloticase injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving pegloticase, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis o..
