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Auranofin |
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What is Auranofin and why is it prescribed? Auranofin, a gold preparation, is given to help treat rheumatoid arthritis. Auranofin is taken by mouth, unlike other gold compounds, which are given by injection. It is recommended only for people who have not been helped sufficiently by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Auranofin should be part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment program that includes non-drug forms of therapy. You are most likely to benefit from Auranofin if you have active joint inflammation, especially in the early stages. Unlike anti-inflammatory medications, Auranofin does not take effect immediately. In fact, you may have to wait for 3 to 6 months to get any benefit from Auranofin. Auranofin prevents or suppresses joint swelling, but does not cure rheumatoid arthritis. How should you take Auranofin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Auranofin. Read the patient information sheet provided with Auranofin, and take the medication exactly as prescribed. You should observe good oral hygiene during therapy with Auranofin. If you miss a dose and you take 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you take more than 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Auranofin at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Are there any Auranofin side effects? Auranofin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Auranofin causes loose stools or diarrhea in about half of all people who take it. There may also be indigestion, abdominal pain and gas, loss of appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Other commonly reported Auranofin side effects include blood-cell abnormalities which may result in bleeding, bronchitis, easy bruising, fever, gold dermatitis, itching, metallic taste, pinkeye, rash, and sores in the mouth. Less common or rare Auranofin side effects may include altered sense of taste, anemia, black or bloody stools, blood in the urine, constipation, difficulty swallowing, fluid retention and swelling, hair loss, hives, inflammation of the tongue or gums, intestinal inflammation with ulcers, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and yellowed eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Auranofin? If Auranofin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Auranofin with Penicillamine (Cuprimine) or Phenytoin (Dilantin). Are there any special warnings about Auranofin? You should be monitored especially closely while taking Auranofin if you have any of the following: History of a bone marrow abnormality, Inflammatory bowel disease, Kidney disease, Liver disease, or Skin rash. Your doctor may order periodic blood and urine tests to check for unwanted effects. Like other medications containing gold, Auranofin may cause serious blood abnormalities. If you start to bruise easily, or develop small red or purplish skin discolorations, see your doctor. He or she will have you stop taking Auranofin and will do some blood tests, including a platelet count. Auranofin may cause protein or microscopic amounts of blood to spill into your urine. If a urine test shows that this is happening, your doctor will take you off of Auranofin immediately. Gold compounds may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, so you may need to limit your exposure to the sun and wear a sunscreen. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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