What is KRYSTEXXA?
Krystexxa is a prescription treatment for patients who suffer from chronic refractory gout and for whom other gout medications are not an option. Krystexxa is a highly complex method of treating gout, with a list of rules, regulations and warnings surrounding it. The manufacturers make it very clear that this medication should not be taken if a patient simply has a high level of uric acid in their system but no history of gout. It can also cause severe allergic reactions.
Ingredients
The only active ingredient in Krystexxa is pegloticase, an enzyme specific to pegylated uric acid, and as such is used as to treat adults with chronic gout. Krystexxa works to metabolize the uric acid present in the patient’s system, transforming it into a harmless chemical which can be excreted from the body.
Other ingredients include
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate
- Water for the injection
Dosage
As stated before, this medication has very strict instructions. Krystexxa is delivered by intravenous infusion once every two weeks. The infusion must be done in a setting where a health practitioner is readily available to deal with any serious side effects that may arise. Treatment is expected to take several months and gout may flare during the first three months of treatment.
What is the Cost?
Estimated cost of Krystexxa is $5000 per month. The company offers a co-pay reduction program for eligible insured patients to reduce their deductible or other out of pocket costs associated with treatment. The company also offers a patient assistance program to cover treatment cost for those without insurance.
Manufacturer Guarantee
We did not find a guarantee for this medication but that is not surprising as few prescription medications come with a guarantee.
Our Final Review Of KRYSTEXXA (pegloticase)
Our research suggests that this treatment can be useful if it is administered correctly, although it’s aimed at a very specific subset of those who suffer from gout — those for whom other treatments are not effective or advisable. The range of information and warnings regarding its use is another thing that we see as a positive, though the array of potential side effects connected to it , such severe allergic reactions, may lead to patients avoiding it altogether. And of course, the price is another factor that may eliminate it from consideration for some.