$Unique_ID{BRK03040}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{auranofin}
$Subject{Ridaura Smith Kline French Antirheumatic auranofin gold compound
active rheumatoid arthritis}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


auranofin
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Ridaura (Smith Kline & French)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antirheumatic

INGREDIENT

     auranofin

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (3 mg)

STORAGE

     Auranofin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Auranofin is a gold compound used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis.
It is unclear how auranofin works to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis.

TREATMENT

     Auranofin can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  It can be taken along with other antirheumatic
medications.
     The full effects of auranofin for the control of arthritis symptoms may
not become apparent for several months.  It is important to continue taking
this medication until your doctor instructs you to do otherwise.
     Auranofin is generally reserved for arthritis patients who have not
responded to or did not tolerate other medications.  It should be used in
conjunction with, not in place of, a total treatment program, which can
include diet, exercise, rest, and heat treatments.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, don't
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, loss of
appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  As your body adjusts to auranofin, these
effects should disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, fever, gingivitis (inflammation of
the gums), hair loss, itching, metallic taste, mouth sores, persistent
diarrhea, rash, shortness of breath, sore throat, tingling or pain in the
fingers or toes, tongue sores, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of
the skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     Auranofin can increase the blood concentration of phenytoin, which can
increase the risk of side effects.
     Before taking auranofin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications that you are currently taking.  It is especially important to tell
your doctor if you are taking phenytoin.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to auranofin or injectable gold compounds
(aurothioglucose or gold sodium thioglucose).
     * Before taking auranofin, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or
if you have ever had blood disorders, bone marrow disease, heart disease,
inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), kidney
disease, liver disease, or rash.
     * Regular blood and urine tests should be performed to assess possible
side effects of auranofin.  It is important for you to keep all your scheduled
appointments.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Complete studies in pregnant
women have not yet been performed.  However, birth defects have occurred in
the offspring of pregnant animals that have been given large doses of
auranofin.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not yet known if auranofin passes into human breast milk, but it has been
shown that this drug passes into the milk of animals.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.