auranofin

Generic Name: auranofin

What is auranofin?

Auranofin is a form of gold. Gold suppresses the inflammatory process.

Auranofin is used orally to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Although not approved by the FDA for these purposes, auranofin has also been used with corticosteroids to treat pemphigus and to treat psoriatic arthritis in patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Auranofin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking auranofin?

Before taking auranofin, tell your doctor if you

  • have ever had any type of reaction to a gold compound;

  • have a history of bone marrow depression or blood problems;

  • have kidney disease;

  • have liver disease;

  • have congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or any other type of heart disease;

  • have diabetes;

  • have inflammatory bowel disease;

  • have a rash; or

  • have a lung disease.

You may not be able to take auranofin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Auranofin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether auranofin will harm an unborn baby. Auranofin does cross the placenta, and it accumulates in the tissue of a baby. Do not take auranofin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether auranofin passes into breast milk. Auranofin is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take auranofin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take auranofin?

Take auranofin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

Do not stop taking auranofin unless your doctor approves. It may be up to 2 months before any benefit is seen and 6 months or more before the full effects of this medication are obtained.

Store auranofin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of auranofin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

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?

Stop taking auranofin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Rarely, other serious side effects may also occur. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • itching or a rash;

  • a sore mouth, indigestion, or a metallic taste in your mouth;

  • severe or bloody diarrhea;

  • yellow skin or eyes;

  • abdominal pain;

  • seizures;

  • confusion or hallucinations;

  • blood in your vomit or stools;

  • blood in your urine or painful urination; or

  • shortness of breath.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • mild diarrhea or loose stools;

  • nausea, stomach upset, decreased appetite;

  • changes in taste; or

  • sores or ulcers in your mouth.

Auranofin can cause serious side effects involving white and red blood cells. Your doctor will want to regularly test your blood and urine to monitor any changes before they become dangerous.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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

Call your doctor immediately if you experience itching, a rash, a sore mouth, indigestion, a metallic taste in your mouth, severe or bloody diarrhea, easy bruising, or a nosebleed. These could be early signs of a toxic effect.

In rare cases, exposure to sunlight may cause areas of the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. To lessen this effect, minimize exposure to sunlight and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What should I avoid while taking auranofin?

In rare cases, exposure to sunlight may cause areas of the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. To lessen this effect, minimize exposure to sunlight and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What other drugs will affect auranofin?

Auranofin may increase the level of phenytoin (Dilantin) in your blood, which could lead to dangerous effects. Your doctor may need to lower your dose of phenytoin.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with auranofin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What happens if I have an overdose of auranofin?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an auranofin overdose include blood in your urine, painful urination, fever, sores or ulcers in your mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and itching. An auranofin overdose can result in death.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008