When Gout Won’t Go Away: How KRYSTEXXA® Helps Patients Finally Find Relief

By Amy Harper, BS, RMA

For most people, gout flares come and go! Painful, yes, but manageable with medication and diet changes.
But for some, gout becomes a constant companion. The pain lingers. The swelling spreads.
The joints grow stiff and deformed. And nothing seems to work anymore.
If that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with uncontrolled gout, a serious form of chronic
gout that goes beyond occasional flares.

Understanding Gout: More Than Just “Too Much Uric Acid”

Gout happens when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals that deposit in the joints. Those crystals trigger inflammation, causing the intense pain, redness, and swelling known as a “flare.”

Over time, high uric acid can lead to joint damage, visible lumps called tophi, and even
kidney complications.
Normally, medications like allopurinol or febuxostat help lower uric acid, but not for everyone.
Some patients’ bodies simply can’t get the levels low enough, no matter how hard they try.
That’s where KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) comes in.

How KRYSTEXXA® Works

KRYSTEXXA® is the only FDA-approved biologic therapy designed specifically for adults with chronic gout that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Instead of just slowing down uric acid production like oral medicines do, KRYSTEXXA® actually breaks down uric acid in the bloodstream, converting it into a harmless substance your body can easily eliminate.

That means it doesn’t just manage gout, it targets the root cause.

In clinical studies, many patients saw:
● Rapid and sustained drops in uric acid levels
● Noticeable reduction in painful tophi

● Fewer flares over time
● Improved mobility and quality of life

When given alongside methotrexate, KRYSTEXXA® has been shown to increase treatment success rates and reduce the chance of infusion reactions, making it even more effective.

What to Expect During Treatment

KRYSTEXXA® is given as an IV infusion every two weeks in a clinical setting under the
supervision of trained healthcare providers.

Before starting therapy, patients typically undergo:
● Comprehensive lab screening, including G6PD testing
● Consultation and treatment planning with a provider familiar with gout management
● Education on what to expect before, during, and after each infusion

Infusions usually take about two hours, and most patients relax during the procedure while
being monitored for comfort and safety.

For those concerned about cost, there are patient assistance programs available to help
reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible individuals.

Real Relief for Real People

For many people living with chronic gout, KRYSTEXXA® represents something they thought they’d never have again, hope.

By dramatically lowering uric acid and dissolving years of crystal buildup, this treatment can
reverse the damage gout has caused and help patients regain mobility, comfort, and
confidence.

For patients who have tried everything else without success, KRYSTEXXA® offers a new way forward, one based on proven science and real-world results.

Is KRYSTEXXA® Right for You?

If you’ve tried standard gout medications and still experience:
● Frequent flares
● Pain or stiffness that doesn’t go away

● Visible tophi or joint deformity
● High uric acid despite treatment

…then KRYSTEXXA® might be an option worth exploring.

Talk to your rheumatologist or primary care provider about whether KRYSTEXXA® is right for you. They can order the necessary lab work, discuss the treatment plan, and help you take the next step toward long-term relief.

Let’s Put Pain in the Past

Uncontrolled gout doesn’t have to define your life.
With the right therapy, and the right care team, it’s possible to move freely again, without
constant pain or fear of the next flare.

KRYSTEXXA® helps dissolve years of uric acid buildup and gives patients a chance to restore not just their mobility, but their quality of life.

Life is too beautiful to live in pain. Ask your doctor if KRYSTEXXA® could be right for
you.

Now accepting new patients!
Book your appointment today at primeraspecialty.com.

Primera Specialty Infusion Now Accepting Medicare Patients

By Amy Harper, BS, RMA

Primera Specialty Infusion is proud to announce that we are now officially accepting Medicare for specialty infusion services, marking an important milestone in expanding access to care for patients in Lake Mary and the surrounding communities.

Becoming a Medicare-approved provider is a significant achievement for any healthcare practice. Medicare sets some of the most rigorous standards in the country for patient care, compliance, and quality assurance. This approval reflects Primera’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate infusion therapy to patients who need it most.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: to put patients Primera (first),” said Amy Sue Harper, BS, RMA, Founder & CEO of Primera Specialty Infusion. “Earning Medicare approval means we can now extend our services to seniors and individuals living with chronic conditions who may have otherwise struggled to access affordable infusion care.”

Expanding Access to Care

With Medicare coverage, Primera Specialty Infusion can now serve a broader patient population, including those managing conditions such as:
● Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
● Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
● Neurological conditions requiring biologic therapy
● Chronic anemias requiring iron infusions
● Dermatology conditions requiring biologic therapy

By opening its doors to Medicare patients, Primera is breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that more members of our community receive the high quality care they deserve, close to home, in a welcoming environment designed around comfort and healing.

A Win for Lake Mary and Beyond

As the only independent, community based infusion center of its kind in the area, Primera’s Medicare approval strengthens healthcare options for patients across Seminole County and Central Florida. The approval also underscores the center’s role as a trusted partner for local physicians seeking infusion alternatives outside of hospital based settings.

“Patient care must be guided by medical need, not by insurance barriers,” Harper emphasized. “This milestone brings us one step closer to making sure every patient has the ability to receive life changing infusion therapy with dignity, compassion, and clinical excellence.”

Supporting Performance Starts with Supporting Your People

By Amy Sue Harper, BS, RMA

High-performing teams don’t happen by accident, they’re supported.

Across our Central Florida business community, leaders are navigating a new reality. Teams are moving fast, expectations are high, and recovery time is limited. Even the most driven
professionals can begin to feel the effects: fatigue, slower recovery, and decreased focus.

The conversation is shifting.

It’s no longer just about productivity.
It’s about sustainability.

At Primera Specialty Infusion, we’re seeing more business owners and decision-makers take a proactive approach to wellness, looking for ways to support both performance and long-term health.

That’s where thoughtful enhancements to care, like Vitamin C add-ons to hydration IV
therapy, come into play.

Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients the body relies on daily—and one it cannot
produce on its own. As Harvard Health explains, “Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient,
important to many functions in the body” (Restivo, 2025).

It plays a key role in maintaining “healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels,” while also supporting tissue repair, especially important for individuals managing ongoing physical and mental demands (Restivo, 2025).

Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption and contributes to neurotransmitter production,
supporting both energy levels and cognitive function (Restivo, 2025).

In addition, it acts as “a powerful antioxidant,” helping reduce oxidative stress that can impact recovery and overall well-being (Restivo, 2025).

When people recover more effectively, they return to work stronger, more focused, and more consistent.

While some individuals can meet their basic Vitamin C needs through diet, demands may
increase with stress, workload, and lifestyle factors (Restivo, 2025).

IV therapy offers a way to support those needs more efficiently.

By delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy allows for faster absorption and immediate availability, providing targeted support when it’s needed most.

At Primera, our approach is grounded in balance and clinical guidance. Our care is
individualized, measured, and intentional.

Because in business, and in health, sustainability drives results.

Supporting your team isn’t just about benefits or incentives.
It’s about creating an environment where people can perform, recover, and continue to show up at their best.

And in today’s landscape, that’s not a luxury, it’s a competitive advantage.

To learn more about Vitamin C add-ons or IV hydration therapy for yourself or your
team, connect with Primera Specialty Infusion.

Restivo, J. (2025, January 22). Myths and truths about vitamin C. Harvard Health Publishing.

Primera Specialty Infusion Proudly Supports the 2026 Lake Mary State of the City

By Amy Harper, BS, RMA

At Primera Specialty Infusion, we believe that strong communities are built through connection, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. That’s why we are honored to serve as a Silver Sponsor of the 2026 Lake Mary State of the City event.

Lake Mary is more than just where we do business, it’s a vibrant, growing community that we are proud to call home. Events like the State of the City provide a meaningful opportunity for residents, local organizations, and businesses to come together, stay informed, and celebrate the progress that continues to shape our city.

This year’s television-themed program promises to bring a creative and engaging perspective to important updates from city leadership. From exciting development initiatives to long term planning, we’re looking forward to hearing firsthand how Lake Mary continues to innovate and thrive.

As a healthcare organization, Primera Specialty Infusion is deeply committed to supporting the well-being of the communities we serve, not only through patient care, but also through active community involvement. Sponsoring events like this reflects our dedication to fostering a healthier, stronger, and more connected Lake Mary.

We invite everyone to attend this free event on April 23 at the Lake Mary Events Center. It’s a great chance to connect with neighbors, local leaders, and fellow businesses while celebrating everything that makes Lake Mary such a special place.

Reserve your spot today: Lake Mary State of the City - Apr 23, 2026 - Seminole County Chamber

We’re proud to stand alongside other sponsors and community partners in supporting this
important event, and we look forward to continuing to grow together with the City of Lake Mary.

For more information about Primera Specialty Infusion and our services, please visit:
primeraspecialty.com

Putting Patients Primera: Why We’re Taking Steps That Matter

By Amy Harper, BS, RMA

Some things in business are about growth.

This isn’t one of them.

This is about people.

On April 25, 2026, at Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, Florida, Primera Specialty Infusion is proud to walk in the Central Florida Take Steps event with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Registration begins at 8:00 AM, with the walk kicking off at 9:00 AM, and we’re not just
showing up… we’re showing up with purpose.

Our team, Putting Patients Primera, has set a goal of $2,500 to support research, improve care, and bring real hope to those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

But behind that number are stories.

Why This Matters to Us

At Primera, we work closely with patients who live with chronic conditions every single day.

We see the delays.
We see the frustration.
We see the moments where access to care makes all the difference.

And we also see the strength.

The patients who keep going, even when it’s hard.
The families who show up, every single time.
The quiet resilience that doesn’t always get recognized.

This walk is about them.

More Than a Walk

Take Steps isn’t just an event. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t happen in isolation.

It happens when communities come together, when awareness turns into action, and when we decide that “good enough” in healthcare just isn’t enough anymore.

We’re walking to:
● Accelerate research
● Improve access to care
● Support patients navigating life with IBD
● Be part of something bigger than ourselves

Because no one should have to navigate chronic illness alone.

Let’s Go There… Together

That phrase on the flyer stuck with me. Let’s go there.

To me, that means:
Let’s go beyond awareness.
Let’s go beyond conversation.
Let’s go to a place where patients are seen, supported, and prioritized.

That’s what “Putting Patients Primera” has always meant.

And this is just another way we live it out.

How You Can Be Part of It

Whether you walk with us, donate, or simply help spread the word, you are part of the impact.

Every step taken moves us closer to:
● Better treatments
● Stronger support systems
● And ultimately, a cure

Join our team or donate here:
Putting Patients Primera - Fundraising For Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Learn more about Primera Specialty Infusion:
primeraspecialty.com

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in a way that truly matters, this is it.

Final Thoughts

At Primera Specialty Infusion, our mission has always been clear.

Because behind every delay is a patient who doesn’t have time to wait.

And on April 25, we’re walking for every single one of them.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss: How to Protect Your Face, Curves, and Results

By Amy Harper, BS, RMA

GLP-1 medications have changed the game for weight loss. There’s no denying that.

But lately, I’ve been having more and more conversations that don’t start with “I want to lose
weight”… they start with:
“I don’t want to lose my muscle.”
“I don’t want that sunken look.”
“I don’t want to lose my curves.”

And honestly? Those are valid concerns.

Because while GLP-1s can be incredibly effective, rapid weight loss without the right support can sometimes lead to what people are calling “Ozempic face” or loss of muscle tone, including areas like the face and glutes.

So the real question becomes:
How do we lose weight while still keeping our strength, structure, and overall look healthy?

Where Peptides Come In

This is where therapies like CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin can play a supportive role.
These aren’t fat burners. They’re not stimulants. And they’re not replacing anything in your
body.

They simply help support your natural growth hormone rhythm, especially at night, which is
when your body does most of its repair and rebuilding.

Think of it as giving your body a better chance to hold on to what matters while you’re in a
calorie deficit.

Why This Matters on GLP-1s

When you’re eating less, your body doesn’t just burn fat. It can also break down muscle if you’renot intentional.

That’s where we see:

● Loss of muscle tone
● A more hollow or “tired” appearance
● Changes in areas like the face and glutes

Supporting your body during this phase is key.

The Real Foundation Still Matters

Let me be very clear about this part, because no peptide replaces the basics:

If you are on a GLP-1, you must:
● Prioritize adequate protein intake
● Incorporate some form of resistance training
● Stay hydrated

Without those, you are going to lose muscle. Period.

But when you combine those habits with the right support, your results can look very different.

What Patients Often Notice

When this is done correctly, patients often report:
● Better sleep quality
● Improved recovery from workouts
● More stable energy throughout the day
● Maintaining muscle tone during weight loss
● A more “filled out” and healthy appearance overall

It’s not about looking smaller.
It’s about looking better as you get there.

This Is About Balance, Not Extremes

At Primera Specialty Infusion, we’re not focused on quick fixes.

We’re focused on helping you:
● Lose weight safely
● Maintain muscle and strength
● Support your skin, structure, and long-term health

Because the goal isn’t just to lose weight.

The goal is to feel good in your body when you get there.

Ready to Do It the Right Way?

If you’re currently on a GLP-1 or considering one, this is the conversation we should be having alongside it.

Not just “how much weight can we lose?”
But “how do we protect your muscle, your metabolism, and your overall look while you’re doing it?”

Schedule your consultation here: https://PrimeraSpecialty.intakeq.com/booking?serviceId=69d63b7d-eb3a-4b11-b073-834c5b2b9b0d

Because behind every transformation is a plan and the right support makes all the difference.