GENERIC NAME: auranofin
BRAND NAME: Ridaura
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Auranofin is a gold salt used
in
treating inflammatory arthritis. Exactly how gold salts work is
not well
understood. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as
adult and
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts can decrease the
inflammation of
the joint lining. This effect can prevent destruction of bone
and
cartilage. Gold salts are called second-line drugs because they
are often
considered when the arthritis persists in spite of
antiinflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs and corticosteroids).
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Capsule: 3mg.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed, light-
resistant
container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Auranofin is used in the treatment of
active,
progressive or destructive forms of inflammatory arthritis,
such as adult
rheumatoid arthritis.
DOSING: Auranofin may be taken with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Auranofin should be avoided by
patients with
a history of serious reaction to any gold medication, including Solganal
and Myochrysine. Auranofin should not be used together with
penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine), another arthritis medication. It should
also be
avoided in patients with blood, liver or kidney diseases,
recent radiation
treatment, or uncontrolled diabetes. Patients should report to
their
practitioners any new rashes, itching, mouth sores, or unusual
taste while
taking auranofin. Gold is excreted slowly from the body. Safety
and
effectiveness in children has not been established.
PREGNANCY: Usage in pregnant or nursing mothers is
generally
avoided.
NURSING MOTHERS: It has been
found in the breast milk
of nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of gold salts can occur any
time
during treatment or months after treatment has been
discontinued. The most
common adverse reaction to auranofin is loose stools or
diarrhea. Another side effect is
inflamed skin. An itching sensation can be an early warning sign of a skin
reaction, such as an impending rash. Auranofin
can also
cause metallic taste and mouth sores, though less frequently
than
injectable gold. Because gold salts can cause serious kidney
and bone
marrow problems, all patients require regular blood and urine
test
monitoring. Rarely, patients can have severe allergic reactions
to
auranofin resulting in shock.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- aurothiomalate, Myochrysine - Source:MedicineNet
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- aurothioglucose, Solganal - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 16 more auranofin related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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