Krystexxa – new FDA approved drug for gout treatment

Gout is a widespread disease that develops as a result of accumulation of uric acid deposits in the form of crystals in joints and tissues.  These crystals can often cause severe pain, swelling, inflammation and fever.

Gout developing is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other diseases. The disease is more common for man, however, the frequency of the diseases among women is constantly rising. The risk for gout is increasing with age, also in patience with acute or chronic kidney diseases.

The most common drugs used for gout treatment are xanthine oxidase inhibitor (Allopurinol) and Febuxostat. Recently US Food and Drug Administration approved  drug Krystexxa – an  enzyme that  lowers uric acid levels by metabolizing it in a safe substance easily excreted with urine. The drug is administered intravenously every two weeks.

There were conducted two clinical trials with the participation of 212 patients which showed that the drug Krystexxa significantly reduces the level of uric acid and deposition of crystals in joints.

It is necessary to note that every fourth patient during the treatment experienced an allergic reaction to the infusion of the medicine. For this purpose it is recommended to administer antihistamine drugs in order to reduce the risk of allergic manifestations  
The most common Krystexxa side effects include: nausea, vomiting, irritation of nasal passages, chest pain, hematoma at the site of infusion.

Krystexxa is manufactured by  Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc