Auranofin

What is Auranofin?

Auranofin is a type of gold that helps reduce some of the negative effects of inflammation within the body.Auranofin can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.Auranofin is typically prescribed for those who are unable to take other RA drugs or when other treatments have failed or are no longer effective.Auranofin is not able to reverse a joint or cartilage injury that has been incurred in your body.Auranofin is also employed for purposes that are not mentioned in this guideline.

Side effects of Auranofin

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Auranofin can cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you suffer from:

• Pale skin, easily bruising, unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), as well as red or purple spots that appear under your skin
• Unusual tiredness, feeling short of breath;
• A severe skin itching that causes an itching
• Sudden chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, and feeling short of breath;
• Persistent or severe chronic diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Kidney problems: swelling of your ankles or feet; urine that is bloody; and urine that appears foamy.

Auranofin could cause more side effects on stomachs than the effects of gold injections. If you've changed from injections with gold to capsules of auranofin, inform your doctor if there are questions about these adverse consequences. It is possible that you will need to take auranofin for a couple of months before the symptoms start to improve.

Common auranofin-related side effects could include:

• Diarrhoea, loose stools;
• Itching, rash,
• The appearance of blisters or ulcers on your mouth, swelling or red gums, or difficulty swallowing

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Simponi, Hydroxychloroquine, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, Rituxan, and Orencia

Warnings

It is not recommended to use auranofin when you've experienced an extreme response to treatment with gold that affected the lungs, skin, bone marrow, blood cells, stomach, or intestines.Auranofin is a source of gold that is toxic and causes a variety of symptoms, including the mouth, rash, sores, blood in your urine, and extreme diarrhoea.Contact your doctor immediately. If you experience severe itching or skin rash, mouth sores, severe diarrhoea, dull skin, unusual fatigue, bleeding or bruising, and blood in your stool or urine, or if you spit up blood,

Prior to using this drug

Auranofin should not be used when you have an allergy to it or have previously suffered from medical issues that were caused by gold therapy, for example:

• An allergic reaction to the skin
• Digestive or stomach problems;
• A breathing disorder;
• An autoimmune bone marrow disease
• A severe blood cell disorder.

Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:

• An autoimmune bone marrow disorder or weak immune system
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease
• IBD.

It isn't known if auranofin can harm a newborn baby. Consult a physician if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant.It is not recommended to breastfeed during the use of the drug auranofin.Auranofin is not recommended to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How do I take Auranofin?

Follow all the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medicine precisely as prescribed.Drink this medicine by drinking a cup of fluid.It can take up to 6 months to take this medication before your symptoms begin to improve. Keep using the medication as directed, and inform your doctor if you feel your symptoms don't improve after three or four weeks of therapy.Auranofin may increase the chances of getting bleeding and an infection. You'll need regular medical tests.Your kidney and liver function could also require examination.Auranofin should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Info on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

3 mg orally twice every day, or 6 mg orally every day. If response is insufficient after six months, increase the dose to 3 mg orally three times per day. Discontinue treatment if the response is not satisfactory after 3 months, at 9 mg/day.
Comments:
It is not recommended to begin therapy with doses greater than 6 mg a day since it can cause an increase in the rate of diarrhoea.
The drug should be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes non-drug treatments.
This drug doesn't cause an immediate reaction. Therapy effects can be observed within 3 to 4 months; however, improvements haven't been noticed in some patients prior to six months.
Gold is not able to reverse joint damage caused by structural degeneration due to previous illness. The greatest benefit could be seen for patients suffering from active synovitis, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Use: For active, classical, or definitive arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, patients who have experienced an inadequate therapeutic response or are not tolerant to the appropriate trial of the full dosages of one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Aviod this

Auranofin can cause your skin to become more sensitive to light, and you could get a rash or itch. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Be sure to wear protective attire and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your physician of any medications taken outside the scope of his or her practice, particularly:

• Gold injections;
• Hydroxychloroquine;
• Penicillamine;
• Phenytoin;
• Large doses of steroid medications (prednisone and others) as well as
• Medications that can weaken your immune system, like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and more.

This list isn't complete. Other drugs can also influence auranofin, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The list of possible interactions with drugs is outlined here.