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 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 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.