Compare Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Krystexxa (pegloticase) and colchicine (Glopreba, Mitigare) are both used to manage gout, but they work in different ways and are used in different situations. Krystexxa is an enzyme given as an intravenous infusion every two weeks, specifically for chronic gout that hasn't responded to other treatments. It works by converting uric acid into a substance that can be easily removed from the body. On the other hand, colchicine is an oral medication available in tablets, capsules, and oral solution forms. It is used both to treat and prevent gout flares and also treats familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). While Krystexxa is only available as a brand-name medication, colchicine is available in generic forms, which can make it more affordable. Krystexxa requires administration by a healthcare provider due to the risk of serious allergic reactions, whereas colchicine can be taken at home but has many potential drug interactions and side effects, including the risk of blood problems and muscle toxicity. Additionally, Krystexxa is not suitable for people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenas (G6PD) deficiency, while colchicine should be used cautiously in those with kidney or liver disease.
- Krystexxa (pegloticase)Colchicine
- Krystexxa (pegloticase)Colchicine
Summary of Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Summary for EnzymePrescription onlyKrystexxa (pegloticase) is an infusion given into your veins (IV) every 2 weeks to treat chronic gout that's difficult to treat. This medication is only used when you've tried other anti-gout medications and they haven't worked well for you. Krystexxa (pegloticase) is given by a healthcare provider, typically at an outpatient infusion center or your doctor's office. Because it can put you at risk for serious allergic reactions, your provider will ask you to stay for some time after each infusion to monitor you for symptoms such as difficulty breathing and hives.
Summary for AntigoutPrescription onlyColchicine is used for the treatment and prevention of gout flares, but its cost and side effects limit its use. It's also a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). This medication comes as tablets, capsules, and an oral solution.
Indications of Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Indications for•Chronic gout in adults who've tried other anti-gout medications that didn't work wellIndications for•Gout prevention•Gout treatment - tablets only•Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) - tablets onlyPros and Cons of Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Pros and Const for EnzymePros•Only need to get it once every 2 weeks•Can greatly lower your uric acid level in just 24 hours after one treatment•Dissolves most gout buildup in about 6 months (compared to 2 or more years with oral gout medications)Cons•Only controls chronic gout, not acute (sudden) gout flares•High chance of getting a gout flare when first starting Krystexxa (pegloticase), especially during the first 3 months•Brand name medication only, so can be expensivePros and Const for AntigoutPros•Can be taken once or twice a day with or without food•Helpful for preventing gout when people are first starting allopurinol (Zyloprim)•Tablets work quickly to treat gout flares if they happen•For tablets, dose easily adjustable based on how you respond to the medication; they're scored to make it easier to split your dose if needed•Tablets are a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)Cons•Tablets and capsules available as a generic, but can be still more expensive than other treatment options for gout like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)•Risk of blood problems if taken long term•Might need lower dose if you have kidney or liver problems•Interacts with a lot of medications•Might affect fertility in malesCommon Side Effects of Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Common Side Effects for•Gout flare (77%)•Infusion reaction (26%)•Nausea (12%)•Bruising (11%)•Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (7%)•Constipation (6%)•Chest pain (6%)•Vomiting (5%)Common Side Effects for•Diarrhea (23%)•Nausea (4%)Warnings of Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
Common Side Effects for•Severe allergic and infusion-related reactions•Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)•Gout flares•Heart failureCommon Side Effects for•Life-threatening overdose•Blood problems•Medication and food interactions•Nerve or muscle toxicityPrices with our coupons for Krystexxa vs. Colcrys
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