home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK03040}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{auranofin}
- $Subject{Ridaura Smith Kline French Antirheumatic auranofin gold compound
- active rheumatoid arthritis}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- auranofin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Ridaura (Smith Kline & French)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antirheumatic
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- auranofin
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Capsules (3 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Auranofin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
- container.
-
- USES
-
- Auranofin is a gold compound used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis.
- It is unclear how auranofin works to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid
- arthritis.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- Auranofin can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
- (as directed by your doctor). It can be taken along with other antirheumatic
- medications.
- The full effects of auranofin for the control of arthritis symptoms may
- not become apparent for several months. It is important to continue taking
- this medication until your doctor instructs you to do otherwise.
- Auranofin is generally reserved for arthritis patients who have not
- responded to or did not tolerate other medications. It should be used in
- conjunction with, not in place of, a total treatment program, which can
- include diet, exercise, rest, and heat treatments.
- If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, don't
- take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, loss of
- appetite, nausea, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to auranofin, these
- effects should disappear.
- To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
- fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
- drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, fever, gingivitis (inflammation of
- the gums), hair loss, itching, metallic taste, mouth sores, persistent
- diarrhea, rash, shortness of breath, sore throat, tingling or pain in the
- fingers or toes, tongue sores, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of
- the skin or eyes.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Auranofin can increase the blood concentration of phenytoin, which can
- increase the risk of side effects.
- Before taking auranofin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
- medications that you are currently taking. It is especially important to tell
- your doctor if you are taking phenytoin.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
- to any medications, especially to auranofin or injectable gold compounds
- (aurothioglucose or gold sodium thioglucose).
- * Before taking auranofin, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or
- if you have ever had blood disorders, bone marrow disease, heart disease,
- inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), kidney
- disease, liver disease, or rash.
- * Regular blood and urine tests should be performed to assess possible
- side effects of auranofin. It is important for you to keep all your scheduled
- appointments.
- * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Complete studies in pregnant
- women have not yet been performed. However, birth defects have occurred in
- the offspring of pregnant animals that have been given large doses of
- auranofin. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is
- not yet known if auranofin passes into human breast milk, but it has been
- shown that this drug passes into the milk of animals.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-