From the Guidelines
Yes, pegloticase can cause tremor.
Adverse Effects of Pegloticase
As a uric acid-lowering therapy, pegloticase has been associated with various adverse effects, including neurological symptoms such as tremors 1.
- Patients receiving pegloticase, particularly at the recommended dose of 8 mg every 2 weeks, should be monitored for signs of tremor, which can range from mild to severe.
- If tremor occurs, the dose may need to be adjusted or the medication discontinued.
Considerations for Pegloticase Use
It is essential to weigh the benefits of pegloticase against the potential risks, especially in patients with a history of neurological disorders or those taking medications that may exacerbate tremors 1.
- The high costs and potential for serious allergic reactions should also be considered when deciding to use pegloticase 1.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated improved SU concentrations, low frequency of flares, reduction in tophi, and improved quality of life among patients receiving pegloticase 1. However, the harms and costs of administering pegloticase may outweigh the benefits in patients with mild disease 1.
From the Research
Adverse Events Associated with Pegloticase
- The most common adverse events associated with pegloticase include nephrolithiasis, arthralgia, anemia, dyspnea, headache, muscle spasms, nausea, and pyrexia 2
- Pegloticase has been shown to increase the frequency of gout flares early during treatment 3
- Serious adverse effects attributed to pegloticase include reactions during the infusion, anaphylactic reactions, and skin infections 3
- Thrombocytopenia and severe cardiac adverse effects are other probable adverse effects of pegloticase 3
- About 90% of patients treated with pegloticase developed anti-pegloticase antibodies 3
Efficacy of Pegloticase
- Pegloticase is able to reduce serum uric acid and reduce tender joints, thereby improving joint function 4
- Pegloticase has been shown to normalize plasma urate levels, reduce the size of tophi, and improve functional status and quality of life in patients with refractory gout 5
- Long-term pegloticase treatment has been associated with significant sustained clinical benefits in patients with chronic refractory gout achieving a urate-lowering effect during the first 6 months of therapy 6