Pegloticase
Pronounced
"peg-LOE-ti-kase"
Uses
Pegloticase is used to treat gout which has not responded to the usual treatments. It works by lowering high levels of uric acid in your body. Increased uric acid in your body can cause gout.
Warning
Pegloticase may rarely cause a serious allergic reaction. This may occur during or after the infusion of the medication. Your doctor will check your blood before each treatment and monitor you closely during and after infusion. Your doctor should prescribe other medications (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids) to help prevent an allergic reaction. However, serious allergic reactions may still occur in a few patients. Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, chest discomfort/pain.
Do not use this medication if you have a certain metabolic disorder called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency because it can severely damage your red blood cells leading to anemia (hemolysis). If you are of African, Mediterranean, or Southern Asian descent, you may be at higher risk for G6PD deficiency and should be tested to see if you have this condition before starting this medication.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using pegloticase and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are taking other medications (such as allopurinol, febuxostat) by mouth to lower the level of uric acid in your body, your doctor will direct you to stop the medication before starting and during treatment with pegloticase. Taking these drugs with pegloticase may lessen how well it works.
This medication is given by injection into a vein (over at least 2 hours) by a healthcare professional. It is usually given every 2 weeks.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to receive it every 2 weeks. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
You may experience more gout attacks for several months after starting this medicine while your body removes extra uric acid. Your doctor may prescribe additional medication (such as colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) to help prevent and treat these gout attacks.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
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