What Is Krystexxa?

Krystexxa is a medication that is used to treat gout. It is a recombinant form of the enzyme uricase, which converts uric acid in our body to other water-soluble metabolites and helps excrete it in urine, thus lowering the serum uric acid in our system. “Recombinant” means that it has been made by combining genetic material from two different sources. In the case of Krystexxa, the mammalian uricase enzyme is produced by a genetically modified strain of bacteria called E. coli.

The generic name of Krystexxa is pegloticase. It is manufactured by Horizon Pharma and was first approved by the FDA in 2010.

Krystexxa is currently only available as a brand name medication, and it comes in 8 mg/ml single-use 2 ml solution vials.

Dosing and Administration

The recommended dose of Krystexxa is 8 mg given once every 2 weeks.

Krystexxa is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion given over at least 120 minutes after dilution in 250 ml of normal saline. The infusion is repeated once every 2 weeks. Prior to the administration of Krystexxa, patients should be premedicated with antihistamines and corticosteroids (unless directed otherwise by the physician).

Krystexxa should only be administered in a healthcare setting by a healthcare provider prepared to manage potential anaphylaxis.

Patients should be monitored closely for infusion reactions during infusion and for an appropriate period of time after the infusion (1 hour).

What Else Do You Need To Know Before Starting?

Do not receive Krystexxa if you:

• Have a rare blood problem called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to Krystexxa or any of its ingredients.

Tell your doctor about all your medications and medical conditions before starting treatment.