One gout attack + other painful joint(s) in the body, is enough to consider Krystexxa.
KRYSTEXXA has a different way of lowering uric acid levels, which is the key to stopping gout flares. In about 6 months, it can remove years of uric acid crystal buildup from your joints. Many patients have a longstanding history of misdiagnosis of arthritis, when actually the joint is eroded from Gout. This often appears the same on radiographs.
ORAL GOUT MEDICINES DON’T:
CONVERT URIC ACID: KRYSTEXXA is the only gout treatment that changes uric acid into a water-soluble substance called allantoin that your body easily gets rid of through urine.
SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER URIC ACID LEVEL IN 24 HOURS: After just one IV treatment, it starts to lower your uric acid level enough to begin dissolving years of uric acid crystal buildup.
DISSOLVE YEARS OF GOUT BUILDUP IN JUST MONTHS: It can take more than two years for oral gout medicines to dissolve even a small amount of uric acid crystal buildup. KRYSTEXXA can dissolve most of it in about 6 months.
Before prescribing KRYSTEXXA, your doctor will test you for a rare G6PD (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency that would prevent you from starting treatment. Once cleared, your doctor will confirm KRYSTEXXA is covered by your insurance. Take advantage of support services throughout your treatment as much or as little as you’d like.
How to get ready for a Krystexxa treatment?
If you are scheduled to receive Krystexxa treatment, there are several steps you can take to prepare.
Follow your doctor’s instructions: Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding when and how to take any pre-treatment medications or supplements. This may include taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or an antihistamine to help prevent an allergic reaction.
Drink plenty of fluids: It is important to drink plenty of fluids in the days leading up to your Krystexxa treatment. This can help keep you hydrated and reduce the risk of certain side effects, such as kidney problems.
Avoid certain foods and drinks: Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods and drinks in the days leading up to your Krystexxa treatment. For example, it is generally recommended that you avoid alcohol and foods high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats, which can exacerbate gout symptoms.
Plan for transportation: Because Krystexxa is administered intravenously, you will need to plan for transportation to and from your treatment. You may feel tired or groggy after your treatment, so it is best to arrange for someone to drive you home.
Wear comfortable clothing: It is important to wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your Krystexxa treatment. This will make it easier for the healthcare provider to access your veins for the IV injection.
Bring a book or other form of entertainment: Krystexxa treatment can take several hours to complete, so it is a good idea to bring a book, tablet, or other form of entertainment to keep yourself occupied during the procedure.
Inform your healthcare provider of any changes in your health: If you experience any changes in your health or develop any new symptoms, be sure to inform your healthcare provider before your Krystexxa treatment. They may need to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
MEET YOUR PAM
A dedicated Patient Access Manager (PAM) can help you navigate your insurance and support you through treatment at your discretion. All KRYSTEXXA support services are optional.
GO FOR A BLOOD TEST
Your doctor may check your baseline uric acid level. You’ll get rechecked a day or two before each IV treatment to ensure KRYSTEXXA is working as planned. You should stop oral urate-lowering therapy one week before your first treatment.
GET PRE-IV TREATMENT MEDICINE
Your doctor may prescribe steroids or antihistamines to help you better tolerate KRYSTEXXA. You can not stop treatment and then decide again later to begin once again as your body will have created antibodies and the treatment would be rendered ineffective.
RECEIVE YOUR FIRST TREATMENT
IV treatment is actually quite routine.
Check in
Start IV treatment
Wait about 2 hours
Check out
Drive yourself home!