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.

Auranofin is usually given when other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about Auranofin?

You should not use this medication 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.

Before taking auranofin, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, bone marrow disorder, kidney or liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Auranofin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis.

Keep using auranofin as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 or 4 months of treatment.

Stop taking auranofin and call your doctor at once if you have a skin rash or itching, mouth sores, severe diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or unusual weakness, or any signs of infection (fever, chills, flu symptoms).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Auranofin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to auranofin, or if you have ever had any of these medical problems caused by using gold therapy:

an allergic skin reaction
stomach or intestinal problems
a breathing disorder
a bone marrow disorder; or
a severe blood cell disorder

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

a bone marrow disorder or weak immune system
kidney disease
liver disease; or
inflammatory bowel disease

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether auranofin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether auranofin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Auranofin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Auranofin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

itching or skin rash
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
pain or swelling in your gums or tongue, metallic taste in your mouth
severe or ongoing diarrhea
severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
blood in your urine
weakness or fainting
black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain or upset
gas, bloating; or
loss of appetite

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Auranofin Interactions

What other drugs affect Auranofin?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

gold injections
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
phenytoin (Dilantin)
high doses of steroid medication (prednisone and others); or
drugs that weaken your immune system, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), azathioprine, methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with auranofin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Auranofin?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Auranofin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Auranofin Dosage

How should I take Auranofin?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

It may take up to 6 months of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 or 4 months of treatment.

Store auranofin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Auranofin?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an auranofin overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Auranofin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com

Auranofin