From the Guidelines
Yes, pegloticase may cause tremors. As a uric acid-lowering therapy, pegloticase has been associated with various side 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 tremors, which can range from mild to severe.
Important Considerations
- If tremors occur, they are typically reported within the first 6 months of treatment.
- 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.
- Monitoring treatment effects and clinical parameters, as well as side effects at follow-up appointments, is crucial in managing patients on pegloticase therapy 1.
Key Points to Consider in Clinical Practice
- Monitor patients for nonspecific symptoms, such as dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, and reduced alertness, which may indicate complications resulting from treatment changes 1.
- Consider increasing the frequency of follow-up visits following treatment changes to assess effectiveness and side effects properly 1.
From the Research
Adverse Events Associated with Krystexxa (Pegloticase)
- The most common adverse events associated with pegloticase include gout flares, infusion reactions, and anaphylaxis 2
- Other common adverse events reported in clinical trials include nephrolithiasis, arthralgia, anemia, dyspnea, headache, muscle spasms, nausea, and pyrexia 3
- Exacerbation of pre-existing congestive heart failure was reported in 2% of patients receiving pegloticase 8 mg every 2 weeks in phase III trials 2
Tremors as an Adverse Event
- None of the provided studies specifically mention tremors as an adverse event associated with pegloticase 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of pegloticase in treating chronic gout, with an emphasis on uric acid levels, gout flares, and other disease-related outcomes 3, 2, 4, 5
Safety and Tolerability of Pegloticase
- Pegloticase has been shown to be effective in reducing uric acid levels and improving disease-related outcomes in patients with chronic gout 2, 4, 5
- The safety and tolerability of pegloticase have been evaluated in several clinical trials, with results indicating that the treatment is generally well-tolerated, although with some common adverse events 3, 2, 5, 6