DRUG INDEX
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 progresses 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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