Auranofin
Generic name: auranofin [ aw-RAN-oh-fin ]
Brand name: Ridaura
Dosage form: oral capsule (3 mg)
Drug class:Antirheumatics
What is auranofin?
Auranofin is a form of gold that reduces some of the effects of the inflammatory process in the body.
Auranofin is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.
Auranofin is usually given only to people unable to use other RA medications, or when other treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Auranofin will not reverse any cartilage or joint damage that has already occurred in your body.
Auranofin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use auranofin if you have ever had a severe reaction to gold therapy that affected your skin, lungs, bone marrow, blood cells, or your stomach or intestines.
Auranofin contains gold, which may be toxic and can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, mouth sores, or blood in your urine, or severe diarrhea.
Call your doctor at once if you have a severe skin rash or itching, mouth sores, severe diarrhea, pale skin, unusual tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, or if you cough up blood.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use auranofin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had medical problems caused by using gold therapy, such as:
an allergic skin reaction;
stomach or intestinal problems;
a breathing disorder;
a bone marrow disorder; or
a severe blood cell disorder.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a bone marrow disorder or weak immune system;
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
It is not known whether auranofin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using auranofin.
Auranofin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take auranofin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
It may take up to 6 months of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 or 4 months of treatment.
Auranofin can increase your risk of ...
