Pegloticase
Are you a clinician? See the clinical version of this page.
Given as a drip into a vein every 2 weeks, for severe gout that has not responded to other medicines. You will be checked for a blood condition (G6PD deficiency) first and given medicines to prevent reactions. Your uric acid is checked before each dose.
- Refractory chronic gout: 8 mg by drip every 2 weeks.
Tests while you take it
You will be watched during and after each infusion for reactions. Your uric acid is checked before each dose.
What to know
How it is used in gout
Pegloticase is only used for severe gout with tophi that the usual medicines have not controlled. It is not a first medicine, and it involves regular infusions.
Before starting
You will be checked before starting, including a blood test for a condition called G6PD deficiency, because pegloticase is not safe if you have it.
Monitoring
Your uric acid is checked before infusions. A rising level can signal that the medicine is no longer working and that reactions are more likely, so treatment may be stopped.
Common effects
Infusion reactions and gout attacks are common. Attacks can increase when starting, as with other uric-acid-lowering treatments.
Important cautions
Serious allergic reactions can happen during or after the infusion, which is why it is given where staff can respond. It is not used if you have G6PD deficiency.
What to watch for
- Any signs of an allergic reaction during or after an infusion, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, dizziness, or chest tightness. These need immediate medical help.
- More frequent gout attacks when starting, which is expected.
- Let your team know of any new symptoms between infusions.