Gold sodium thiomalate is a form of gold. Gold suppresses the inflammatory process.

Gold sodium thiomalate is used as an injection to treat adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold sodium thiomalate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience itching, a rash, a sore mouth, indigestion, a metallic taste in the 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.

Before taking gold sodium thiomalate, tell your doctor if you

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

• 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 severe lung disease.

You may not be able to take gold sodium thiomalate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Gold sodium thiomalate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether gold sodium thiomalate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Gold sodium thiomalate does cross the placenta, and may accumulate in the tissue of a baby. Do not take gold sodium thiomalate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Gold sodium thiomalate passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Gold sodium thiomalate is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take gold sodium thiomalate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.