PEER CONNECTIONS Amgen By Your Side Goes Above and Beyond to Support You

There are many ways our team can connect you to the people and organizations who can help support you during your treatment experience.

Peer Mentor Program


A Peer Mentor to Lend Support When You Need It

Our Peer Mentors will tell you what KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) has been like for them. They volunteer because they want to help others the same way they’ve been helped. Your Patient Access Liaison can help connect you to a Peer Mentor at the beginning of your treatment experience.

If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Mentor, simply call 1-877-824-2426 and let the KRYSTEXXA Peer Mentor Program staff know and they will explain next steps.

Watch Ed and Tom’s Peer Mentor story

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Read Transcript

Ed:

I've been living with gout for quite a long time, 17 years. There's the physical pain and then there's the emotional pain, and the emotional pain is something that lingers. The shame that I felt of what I looked like with my hands and my elbows. All the doctors that I saw that misdiagnosed me and all they did was treat my symptoms. When KRYSTEXXA came along for me, little by little, I saw the results and I began to feel better.

Ed:

I wanted to share how KRYSTEXXA helped me. Most of the patients that I've been mentoring are considering taking KRYSTEXXA. They have a lot of questions; there's a lot of unknown. Occasionally I'll talk to a patient who's already on KRYSTEXXA and they don't like the results right away, and so they think about giving it up. Most of the patients with whom I've spoken are looking for that connection with somebody who really understands. Sometimes my conversation with the mentees does get emotional, as soon as I start talking about ... say, "All the knuckles on my hand were swollen. I couldn't wear my wedding ring for 8 years, and I finally got that on." That's a strong connection.

Tom:

For the past 20 years I've been battling an out-of-control experience with gout. It's crippling, both emotionally and physically. I was introduced to KRYSTEXXA when the doctor said that the gout was an enzyme issue. So, I googled enzyme therapy for gout. That's how I found KRYSTEXXA. The first treatment I had with KRYSTEXXA, I came out feeling magnificent, but after a few days, it became the same old, same old pain in the joints, and I was really concerned about that. On the website, it said, "We have a peer mentor program," and that's when I was able to connect via telephone with Ed.

Ed:

When I first talked to Tom, I began to share some of my story. The first 2 months of my treatment, it increased the number of flares that I had, but then slowly the pain began to subside.

Tom:

That really helped me just to go, "Relax, I'm going to get through this." It was just a blessing, really. He continued guiding me through what to expect with KRYSTEXXA. I felt a sense of clarity, a sense of purpose, and a sense of direction to continue with the process...Ed.

Ed:

Tom. That takes courage, I would have had a hard time even reaching out to somebody else in the same manner. Today is the first time I've ever met a patient that I have been a mentor for. I'm talking to a real person that had real pain and has real struggle, and I identify with that.

Tom:

... say just somebody else's experience really helped me, but it really did. When I first met Ed in person, it just uplifted me, and he's a really great man. Being able to talk with a peer mentor who was on the other side of chronic gout meant a lot to me.

Ed:

Reconnecting with other people is going to put you into situations, which is going to give you energy and life back again.

Tom:

Yes.

Ed:

When I talk to a patient in the mentor program, I feel like that I'm investing a part of me in them. I had shirts, I had polo shirts made with ... They would come down to here to cover up my elbows. One of the amazing things about this mentor program is that one stranger reaches out to another and began to create a bond that is totally different than the bond they have with their spouse, their family members, their doctor. My purpose in life is to make life better for other people. I feel like I'm achieving some of what I'm here for.

Narrator:

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?

Serious allergic reactions may happen in some patients who receive KRYSTEXXA. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 2 hours of the infusion.

KRYSTEXXA should be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting where serious allergic reactions can be treated. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction during and after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA:

  • wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, chest pain, or trouble breathing
  • dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat or feeling nervous
  • reddening of the face, itching, hives, or feeling warm
  • swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

Who should not receive KRYSTEXXA?
Do not receive KRYSTEXXA if you:

  • have a rare blood problem called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or favism. Your doctor may test you for G6PD before you start KRYSTEXXA.
  • have had a serious allergic reaction to KRYSTEXXA or any of its ingredients. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in KRYSTEXXA.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving treatment with KRYSTEXXA?
Before you receive KRYSTEXXA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • ever had any heart problems or high blood pressure.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will receive KRYSTEXXA or breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take any other uric acid lowering drug, such as allopurinol, febuxostat (Uloric), or probenecid, while receiving KRYSTEXXA.

KRYSTEXXA is recommended to be given with another prescription medicine called methotrexate. KRYSTEXXA may also be used alone. You and your doctor will decide the treatment that is right for you.

Prior to your treatment with KRYSTEXXA, your doctor may give you medicine to help reduce your risk of getting gout flares or an allergic reaction. Take these medicines as directed by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will also test your uric acid levels prior to each treatment to monitor your response to KRYSTEXXA.

Your gout flares may increase in the first 3 months when you start receiving KRYSTEXXA. It’s important to understand that this is happening because KRYSTEXXA is breaking down uric acid in your body. Do not stop receiving KRYSTEXXA even if you have a flare, as the amount of flares will decrease after 3 months of treatment. Your doctor may give you other medicines to help reduce your gout flares for the first few months after starting KRYSTEXXA.

What are the possible side effects of KRYSTEXXA?
In KRYSTEXXA clinical trials:

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA when given together with methotrexate were gout flares, joint pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nausea, and fatigue.

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA were gout flares, allergic reactions (including infusion reactions). See “What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?”, nausea, bruising, sore throat, constipation, chest pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional Important Safety Information, please see the Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.

USE

KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.

KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).

Community Connections


Connecting You to the Support You Need

Sometimes it helps to meet other people living with gout. Your Patient Access Liaison (PAL) can help you discover ways to connect with others, if interested (examples include in-person gatherings, online/virtual meetings, and even being introduced to patient groups and mentors).

Virtual Events


Gout Talk Virtual Events

Gain a deeper insight and better understanding of out-of-control gout. Mark your calendar for a 1-hour conversation via Zoom with a gout specialist and a KRYSTEXXA patient.

Join from any computer, device or phone and hear real perspectives on what it's like to live with uncontrolled gout.

KRYSTEXXA Patient Advocacy Organizations

Expand AllCollapse All

The Alliance for Gout Awareness raises public awareness and addresses common misconceptions around gout to enable patients to seek appropriate treatment.

goutalliance.org

An independent kidney patient organization, AAKP is dedicated to improving the lives and outcomes of kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement, and patient communities.

aakp.org

AKF is a non-profit organization serving the millions of Americans with kidney disease. AKF helps people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives by providing a wide range of programs and services, including prevention activities, educational resources, and financial assistance.

kidneyfund.org

NKF is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

kidney.org

Arthritis Foundation raises awareness of gout, and provides a toolkit with tips and tools to help patients talk with their doctors about gout.

arthritis.org

CreakyJoints fosters support, education, advocacy, research, and community for people with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases like gout.

creakyjoints.org

Gout Education Society is dedicated to educating the public and healthcare community about gout.

gouteducation.org

To improve the lives of people living with gout through wellness education, empowerment, and support from peers.

goutsupportgroup.org

Share Your Story


Woman and child on swingsWoman and child on swings

Tell Us Your Story About Life With Gout

Every patient’s gout story is an important one. We hope you’ll inspire others living with gout by sharing yours here.

Share Your Story

Connect with a PAL to learn more about support services through Amgen By Your Side

Learn about resources that can help caregivers help themselves

Have More Questions?

Learn how to connect with a Patient Access Liaison (PAL) who can help you explore enrollment options.

How to Enroll

USE

KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.

KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).

USE

KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.

KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?

Serious allergic reactions may happen in some patients who receive KRYSTEXXA. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 2 hours of the infusion.

KRYSTEXXA should be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting where serious allergic reactions can be treated. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction during and after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA:

  • wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, chest pain, or trouble breathing
  • dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat or feeling nervous
  • reddening of the face, itching, hives, or feeling warm
  • swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

Who should not receive KRYSTEXXA?

Do not receive KRYSTEXXA if you:

  • have a rare blood problem called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or favism. Your doctor may test you for G6PD before you start KRYSTEXXA.
  • have had a serious allergic reaction to KRYSTEXXA or any of its ingredients. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in KRYSTEXXA.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving treatment with KRYSTEXXA?

Before you receive KRYSTEXXA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • ever had any heart problems or high blood pressure.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will receive KRYSTEXXA or breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take any other uric acid lowering drug, such as allopurinol, febuxostat (Uloric), or probenecid, while receiving KRYSTEXXA.

KRYSTEXXA is recommended to be given with another prescription medicine called methotrexate.  KRYSTEXXA may also be used alone. You and your doctor will decide the treatment that is right for you.

Prior to your treatment with KRYSTEXXA, your doctor may give you medicine to help reduce your risk of getting gout flares or an allergic reaction. Take these medicines as directed by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will also test your uric acid levels prior to each treatment to monitor your response to KRYSTEXXA.

Your gout flares may increase in the first 3 months when you start receiving KRYSTEXXA. It’s important to understand that this is happening because KRYSTEXXA is breaking down uric acid in your body. Do not stop receiving KRYSTEXXA even if you have a flare, as the amount of flares will decrease after 3 months of treatment. Your doctor may give you other medicines to help reduce your gout flares for the first few months after starting KRYSTEXXA.

What are the possible side effects of KRYSTEXXA?

In KRYSTEXXA clinical trials:

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA when given together with methotrexate were gout flares, joint pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nausea, and fatigue.

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA were gout flares, allergic reactions (including infusion reactions). See “What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?”, nausea, bruising, sore throat, constipation, chest pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional important safety information, please see the Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.

USE

KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.

KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).

USE

KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) is a prescription medicine used in adults to help reduce the signs and symptoms of gout that are not controlled by other treatments.

KRYSTEXXA is not for use in people with too much uric acid in their bodies who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?

Serious allergic reactions may happen in some patients who receive KRYSTEXXA. These allergic reactions can be life-threatening and usually happen within 2 hours of the infusion.

KRYSTEXXA should be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting where serious allergic reactions can be treated. Your doctor or nurse should watch you for any signs of a serious allergic reaction during and after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with KRYSTEXXA:

  • wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, chest pain, or trouble breathing
  • dizziness, fainting, fast or weak heartbeat or feeling nervous
  • reddening of the face, itching, hives, or feeling warm
  • swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

Who should not receive KRYSTEXXA?

Do not receive KRYSTEXXA if you:

  • have a rare blood problem called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or favism. Your doctor may test you for G6PD before you start KRYSTEXXA.
  • have had a serious allergic reaction to KRYSTEXXA or any of its ingredients. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in KRYSTEXXA.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving treatment with KRYSTEXXA?

Before you receive KRYSTEXXA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • ever had any heart problems or high blood pressure.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KRYSTEXXA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will receive KRYSTEXXA or breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take any other uric acid lowering drug, such as allopurinol, febuxostat (Uloric), or probenecid, while receiving KRYSTEXXA.

KRYSTEXXA is recommended to be given with another prescription medicine called methotrexate.  KRYSTEXXA may also be used alone. You and your doctor will decide the treatment that is right for you.

Prior to your treatment with KRYSTEXXA, your doctor may give you medicine to help reduce your risk of getting gout flares or an allergic reaction. Take these medicines as directed by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will also test your uric acid levels prior to each treatment to monitor your response to KRYSTEXXA.

Your gout flares may increase in the first 3 months when you start receiving KRYSTEXXA. It’s important to understand that this is happening because KRYSTEXXA is breaking down uric acid in your body. Do not stop receiving KRYSTEXXA even if you have a flare, as the amount of flares will decrease after 3 months of treatment. Your doctor may give you other medicines to help reduce your gout flares for the first few months after starting KRYSTEXXA.

What are the possible side effects of KRYSTEXXA?

In KRYSTEXXA clinical trials:

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA when given together with methotrexate were gout flares, joint pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nausea, and fatigue.

The most common side effects of KRYSTEXXA were gout flares, allergic reactions (including infusion reactions). See “What is the most important information I should know about KRYSTEXXA?”, nausea, bruising, sore throat, constipation, chest pain, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional important safety information, please see the Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.