Learn about out-of-control gout, how KRYSTEXXA helps, and KRYSTEXXA support services.
ROBERT’S GOUT ATTACK
Robert:
(Moaning) Oh, not again.
Barbara:
I’ll get your pills.
SEE WHAT ROBERT MISSES OUT ON
Barbara:
Hi, sweetie.
Julie:
Mom, what’s wrong?
Barbara:
Dad can’t make it today. He had another gout attack.
Julie:
Again? Josh is going to be crushed. I wish there was something I could do.
Barbara:
Me too.
Barbara:
Can I get you anything?
Robert:
Less gout pain.
SEE WHAT BARBARA WAS DREAMING ABOUT
Josh:
Awesome!
Robert:
(Moaning) Not again.
UNDERSTAND GOUT JOINT AND BONE DAMAGE
Narrator:
Gout is a form of arthritis that’s caused by uric acid buildup. People with gout have trouble getting rid of uric acid, so it starts to form crystals that accumulate in the joints and cause painful flareups. As more uric acid crystals build up, gout can get worse. You may experience more frequent flares, your flares may last longer, and you may feel pain in more joints. Uric acid can also build up in vital organs like the heart and kidneys. If oral medicine doesn’t work well enough, gout may become out of control and lead to permanent joint and bone damage. You could also develop lumps around joints throughout the body that make everyday activities a challenge. It may be difficult to put on shoes, bend down, or even wear a wedding ring. That’s why it’s important to take control of gout.
HEAR ROBERT OPEN UP ABOUT OUT-OF-CONTROL GOUT
Robert:
It got to the point where I was getting an attack every month. Even when I wasn’t, I was thinking about it. It takes over.
Barbara:
Every time he has an attack, it’s another week out of his life. Our life.
Robert:
It’s hard to work and exercise. I’m afraid of doing anything that might trigger an attack.
Barbara:
As his gout got worse and he started to have more attacks, he avoided making plans for fear of disappointing people. The lumps on his hands really bothered him.
Robert:
Even though I have people who support me, it’s my body and my pain. It’s hard to understand how gout can be so debilitating.
Barbara:
It hurts me to see him in pain.
Robert:
The hardest part is not being there for my family. If I had a dime for everything I’ve had to miss.
Barbara:
You’d spend it all on birthday presents.
LEARN HOW ROBERT TAKES CONTROL OF GOUT
Robert:
How’s it looking?
Specialist:
Your uric acid level is still well over 6 milligrams per deciliter. That’s higher than it should be and why you’re continuing to experience symptoms. Since the oral medications aren’t doing enough, I’d like to tell you about a treatment option called KRYSTEXXA. KRYSTEXXA is an IV treatment that works differently to lower your uric acid level and help prevent uric acid crystals from building up and causing permanent joint and bone damage. It could also get rid of the buildup that’s accumulated over the years that’s causing your symptoms.
Robert:
Does it have side effects?
Specialist:
Some people experience allergic reactions. These reactions can be life threatening and usually happen within 2 hours of the infusion. We can reduce that risk with medication that I’ll prescribe before your treatment. The most common side effect in clinical trials was something called mobilization flares.
Robert:
What’s that?
Specialist:
Mobilization flares are gout flares that happen when uric acid crystals start to mobilize, or loosen, from your joints. They can be a sign your treatment is working.
Robert:
Good to know.
Specialist:
Before you start KRYSTEXXA, we’ll test you for a rare blood disorder called G6PD deficiency, or favism, that would prevent you from taking KRYSTEXXA.
Robert:
How long does KRYSTEXXA take to work?
Specialist:
KRYSTEXXA is taken every two weeks for about 6 months and can start dissolving years of gout buildup within 24 hours of the first treatment.
Robert:
I only have to take it for 6 months?
Specialist:
Yes. When your treatments end, I’ll continue monitoring you to help keep your gout under control.
Robert:
I like the way that sounds.
VISIT AN IV TREATMENT CENTER
Receptionist:
Hello.
Robert:
Hi, I have an appointment.
Nurse:
How are you today?
Robert:
A little anxious, but excited to get this show on the road.
Nurse:
It’s okay to be nervous. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. This is an IV pole, and this is your treatment. I’m going to place a small needle in your arm. Your treatment will take about 2 hours. Just relax and let me know if you need anything. You’ll be monitored the whole time for potential side effects from the infusion.
Robert:
What could happen?
Nurse:
It’s possible to become nauseous or develop a bruise, for example. Severe allergic reactions are very rare and can be resolved by stopping or slowing your treatment and taking common medications.
Robert:
Got it. Thanks for explaining.
Nurse:
Of course. Would you like something to read?
Robert:
No thanks, I’ve come prepared.
Nurse:
I’ll be back a couple times to check on you. You’ll be done before you know it. Okay, Robert, your treatment is done.
Robert:
(Gesturing with book) Just when it was getting good.
Nurse:
I’m just going to monitor you a little longer for potential side effects before you go home.
Robert:
Okay, thank you.
Nurse:
You’re ready to go home. You did great. I’ll see you in 2 weeks.
Robert:
You certainly will.
LISTEN TO ROBERT’S PEER MENTOR STORY
Julie:
I’m so glad you’re feeling better, Dad.
Robert:
I’m sorry I couldn’t make Josh’s party.
Julie:
He loves his new bike!
Robert:
I wish I could have seen the look on his face. Did Mom tell you I’m starting a new treatment? It’s called KRYSTEXXA.
Julie:
She did. You think it will help?
Robert:
I just talked to somebody who finished KRYSTEXXA. He told me about the other medications he’s tried and how often he was still getting gout attacks. Can you believe he had a gout attack the night before his daughter’s wedding? I know how that feels.
Robert:
He also told me what it was like to get KRYSTEXXA infusions. It felt good to talk to someone who knows what I’m going through and was able to share his treatment experience.
Julie:
See, Dad, you’re not alone. Here they are!
Josh:
Grandpa!
SIX MONTHS AFTER KRYSTEXXA
Robert:
Since KRYSTEXXA, my gout is in control and the lumps on my hands are better, too.
Julie:
Dad looks great.
Barbara::
He really does. He’s back to his everyday self. I’m so relieved.
Robert:
I go to bed with peace of mind and I’m excited about each new day.
Barbara:
We both feel like a weight has been lifted.
Robert:
KRYSTEXXA is letting me focus on what matters.
HEAR ROBERT TELL BARBARA ABOUT KRYSTEXXA
Barbara:
How was your visit?
Robert:
The doctor said my uric acid level is still high and my oral gout medications aren’t doing enough, which is why I keep having flare-ups. He mentioned that uric acid can build up and cause permanent joint and bone damage.
Barbara::
So, what now?
Robert:
Well, there’s a medication he thinks can help called KRYSTEXXA. It’s an IV treatment I’d get every 2 weeks for about 6 months.
Barbara:
Six months?
Robert: Yeah. He said it’s different than the oral medicine I take and that it could help lower my uric acid level and get rid of the buildup. KRYSTEXXA can get rid of years of gout buildup.
Barbara:
Wow. Did you ask about side effects?
Robert:
I did. He said KRYSTEXXA could cause an allergic reaction and that he would prescribe medicine to help prevent that. He also told me that the most common side effect of KRYSTEXXA is gout flares during the first three months of treatment because of the drop in uric acid level. He said most people in clinical trials had fewer flares as treatment continued.
Barbara:
Sounds promising. If KRYSTEXXA could mean fewer flares later, I’d say go for it.
Robert:
Nice touch.
Barbara:
We’re both making a lot of progress.
MEET ROBERT’S PATIENT ACCESS LIAISON
Robert:
Hi, Linda.
Linda:
Hi, Robert. How are you today?
Robert:
Everything’s great. Thanks for getting my insurance squared away. I called the infusion center and scheduled my appointments. I’m ready to go.
Linda:
Wonderful. Now as I mentioned before, the infusion will take about two hours and you’ll be monitored during and after your infusion for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Robert:
I can drive myself home after?
Linda:
Absolutely. You may want to bring a blanket to your appointment because infusion centers tend to be a little chilly. I also recommend bringing a water bottle and something to read. You can watch a movie, listen to a podcast. Whatever relaxes you.
Robert:
I’ve got a few books lined up.
Linda:
Wonderful. I’ll follow up with you after your treatment. Call me if there’s anything you need in the meantime. I’m here for you.
Robert:
Will do.
USE
KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.
KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?
Serious allergic reactions may happen in some patients who receive KRYSTEXXA. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 2 hours of the infusion.
KRYSTEXXA should be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting where serious allergic reactions can be treated. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction during and after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA:
- wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat or feeling nervous
- reddening of the face, itching, hives, or feeling warm
- swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
Who should not receive KRYSTEXXA?
Do not receive KRYSTEXXA if you:
- have a rare blood problem called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or favism. Your doctor may test you for G6PD before you start KRYSTEXXA.
- have had a serious allergic reaction to KRYSTEXXA or any of its ingredients. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in KRYSTEXXA.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving treatment with KRYSTEXXA?
Before you receive KRYSTEXXA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- ever had any heart problems or high blood pressure.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will receive KRYSTEXXA or breastfeed.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take any other uric acid lowering drug, such as allopurinol, febuxostat (Uloric®), or probenecid, while receiving KRYSTEXXA.
KRYSTEXXA is recommended to be given with another prescription medicine called methotrexate. KRYSTEXXA may also be used alone. You and your doctor will decide the treatment that is right for you.
Prior to your treatment with KRYSTEXXA, your doctor may give you medicine to help reduce your risk of getting gout flares or an allergic reaction. Take these medicines as directed by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will also test your uric acid levels prior to each treatment to monitor your response to KRYSTEXXA.
Your gout flares may increase in the first 3 months when you start receiving KRYSTEXXA. It’s important to understand that this is happening because KRYSTEXXA is breaking down uric acid in your body. Do not stop receiving KRYSTEXXA even if you have a flare, as the amount of flares will decrease after 3 months of treatment. Your doctor may give you other medicines to help reduce your gout flares for the first few months after starting KRYSTEXXA.
What are the possible side effects of KRYSTEXXA?
In KRYSTEXXA clinical trials:
The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA when given together with methotrexate were gout flares, joint pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nausea, and fatigue.
The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA were gout flares, allergic reactions (including infusion reactions). See “What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?”, nausea, bruising, sore throat, constipation, chest pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For additional Important Safety Information, please see the Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.
