Please ensure JavaScript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Joint Damage and Other Gout Complications | KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase)

KRYSTEXXA is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments. Read More

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Uncontrolled Gout Symptoms and Complications

Even with gout pills, uncontrolled gout symptoms may become more frequent and severe

It can take years for uric acid crystals to build up and cause a gout attack. That’s why many people with uncontrolled chronic gout are diagnosed by gout specialists later in life. If gout is not being controlled properly, you may experience more symptoms.

Symptoms of uncontrolled gout

Even if you take gout pills, your gout may be uncontrolled if you have

Persistently high uric acid level above 6 mg/dL

+

More than 1 flare a year

AND/OR

Gouty lumps (tophi)

Uric acid buildup can happen almost anywhere in the body

Uncontrolled gout is more than just flareups. If you have a uric acid level over 6 mg/dL and more than 1 flare a year and/or gouty lumps while on oral gout medications, you may have uncontrolled gout. Uncontrolled gout can cause damage to the joints, bones, and organs, such as the heart or kidneys.*

*KRYSTEXXA has not been studied to reverse damage to the bones, joints, heart, kidneys, or any of the body's organs.

Explore the skeleton to see where gout can affect your body.

RIBCAGE

Though rarely, uric acid crystal buildup can affect joints in your ribcage.

KIDNEYS

Uric acid crystals can build up in the kidneys.

SPINE

Rarely, uric acid crystal buildup has been observed on the spine.

KNEES

Uric acid crystal buildup in your knees can cause pain and inflammation.

ANKLE

Uric acid crystals can build up on your ankles.

OUTER EAR

Though uncommon, tophi can form in your outer ear.

HEART

Uric acid deposits have been found in the heart.

ELBOWS

Tophi on your elbows can become large and painful.

HANDS

Often found in the hands, crystals can hinder everyday tasks.

BIG TOE

The big toe may be the first place you notice a gout flare and uric acid crystal buildup.

Tophi (TOE-f-EYE) are lumps that can form under your skin where uric acid crystals build up. They may be visible or hidden beneath the surface.

  • FEET

  • HANDS

Medicines that relieve gout symptoms include

  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen)
  • Colcrys® (colchicine)
  • Steroids/corticosteroids like prednisone

Medicines that limit uric acid production include

  • Zyloprim® (allopurinol)
  • Uloric® (febuxostat)

The first FDA-approved medicine that converts uric acid into a substance your body easily gets rid of and that can start lowering your uric acid level within 24 hours of your first treatment

  • KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase)

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Uncontrolled gout: See below the surface

Uncontrolled gout is more than what meets the eye. See the damage uric acid crystals could be causing throughout your body.

  • Read transcript

    Narrator: Meet Charlotte. Mother of four and an avid gardener, who is living with gout. It’s been months since her last attack. So, for Charlotte, today is a good gout day. Or is it? Let’s take a look under the surface. The green represents

    uric acid crystals, the cause of gout throughout her body. This means permanent bone and joint damage can happen in places unseen, even after flares end.

    If you have more than 1 gout flare a year and your uric acid levels remain high, your inside gout may be different than your outside gout. Talk to your doctor today. And learn what you can do to get your gout back under control.

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If you have flares even though you are taking gout pills, it’s important to talk with a specialist who can prescribe a treatment plan that works for you.

Gouty lumps are the only complication that can result from uncontrolled gout.



Gouty lumps are the only complication that can result from uncontrolled gout

False. Uncontrolled gout can damage joints, bones, and even organs. A specialist can help determine if you are at risk.

Find a gout specialist

Is your gout uncontrolled?

Take a short quiz to see if you have uncontrolled gout.

Take the quiz

Patient stories.

See how real patients took back control of gout with KRYSTEXXA.

Watch real patient stories

USE AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase)?

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 Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.

USE

KRYSTEXXA 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).

USE AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase)?

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.