Auranofin (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Auranofin is used, with rest and nondrug therapy, to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It improves arthritis symptoms including painful or tender and swollen joints and morning stiffness.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Auranofin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. It must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. The full effect of this drug usually is not felt for 3-4 months; in some people, it may take up to 6 months. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take auranofin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Auranofin is also used sometimes for psoriatic arthritis. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Special precautions

Before taking auranofin:

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to auranofin or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially arthritis medications, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; bleeding problems; inflammatory bowel disease; colitis; rash; eczema; SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus); or a history of bone marrow depression.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking auranofin, call your doctor. You should not try to become pregnant while taking auranofin or for at least 6 months after discontinuing the drug because it stays in the body for a long time.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking auranofin.
be aware that you should not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
plan to avoid unneccessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Auranofin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Special dietary instructions

Auranofin may cause an upset stomach. Take auranofin after meals or a light snack.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Auranofin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

metallic taste
loose stools or diarrhea
stomach pain
upset stomach
vomiting
gas
hair loss

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

bloody or tarry stools
itching
skin rash
sore throat
mouth sores
fever
chills
unusual bruising or bleeding
blood in the urine
fatigue

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to auranofin.

If you have a tuberculin (TB) skin test, tell the person performing the test that you take auranofin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Ridaura®