Auranofin

Generic Name : Auranofin

TradeName : Goldar, Ridaura

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Auranofin is used to manage rheumatoid arthritis. It improves arthritis symptoms including painful or tender and swollen joints and morning stiffness. It has also been used in children for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
and for psoriatic arthritis.

When it is to be taken : Auranofin is usually take once or twice a day. It must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. The full effect of this drug is usually not felt for three to four months.In some people, it may take up to six months. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

How it should be taken : Auranofin comes in the form of capsules.Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Your doctor will want to evaluate your response to this medication. You will probably have blood tests, urinalyses, and physical examinations at least monthly while taking auranofin.
2. If you forget to take a dose,take it as soon as you remember and take any remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. However, do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Frequent loose stools or diarrhea. Eat high-fiber foods (bran or whole grain cereals and bread and raw fruits and vegetables) and drink extra water to replace lost fluids. Contact your doctor if diarrhea is severe, persists for longer than three days, or interferes with your normal routine.
2. Your doctor may have to prescribe iron supplements or another medication to control diarrhea or change your dose of auranofin.
3. Bloody or tarry stools. Contact your doctor immediately.
4. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indegestion, gas, hair loss, eye inflammation. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
5. Itching, which may progress to skin rash. Contact your doctor immediately.
6.Limit or avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps while taking auranofin because skin rash can develop or worsen.
7. Metallic taste, which can be followed by mouth sores. Contact your doctor immediately. If mouth sores are not severe, rinse your mouth with salt water.
8. Sore throat, fever, and chills; unusual bruising or bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums); blood in the urine; fatigue. Stop taking auranofin and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, bleeding problems, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, rash, eczema, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), or a history of bone marrow depression.
2. Also tell your doctor if you have had recent radiation therapy. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other arthritis medications and phenytoin.
3. If you have a tuberculin (TB) skin test, tell the person performing the test that you take auranofin.
4. Women who are breast-feeding or pregnant should inform their doctors. You should not try to become pregnant while taking auranofin or for at least six months after discontinuing the drug because it stays in the body for a long time.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep auranofin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and protect it from heat and light.Keep out of reach of children.