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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pegloticase (Krystexxa)?

You should not receive pegloticase if you are allergic to it, or if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

To make sure you can safely take pegloticase, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• congestive heart failure;
• other heart problems; or
• high blood pressure.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pegloticase 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 pegloticase.

How should I take pegloticase (Krystexxa)?

Pegloticase is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Pegloticase 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 pegloticase. You may need to start taking these medications at least a week before you receive your pegloticase 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.

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

When you first start using pegloticase, 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 pegloticase.

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 pegloticase. Visit your doctor regularly.

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