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 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:
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.
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.
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. Do not miss any
scheduled appointments.
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 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.
Where can I get more information about auranofin?
Your pharmacist has information about auranofin written for health professionals that you may read.
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:
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.
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 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.
What other drugs will 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 happens if I have an overdose of auranofin?