Pegloticase

Patients who suffer from gout who cannot take other gout medications or who have tried them in the past without success often take pegloticase. This medication is injected into the body to decrease the amount of uric acid in the body and prevent attacks of gout. It cannot be used to treat an attack that is already in progress.

Side Effects/Warnings

Patients may have a serious allergic reaction to this medication within two hours of receiving an injection. The medication must be administered in a hospital setting so that patients can be observed for these types of problems. Symptoms of a serious reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives or rashes
• Fainting or dizziness
• Redness of the skin
• Chest pain or tightness