General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Ridaura (Prometheus laboratories inc.)
OTC/Prescription/schedule
Auranofin is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
What is auranofin?
Auranofin is an antirheumatic drug. (Disease modifying anti rheumatic drug (DMARD’s)
Common uses of auranofin
Auranofin is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Auranofin is used when patient is not responded to other medications.
How to use auranofin
Take auranofin by mouth with or with out food. Do not take larger amount or longer duration than prescribed by your doctor.
In order to minimize the side effects of auranofin as per the instructions from your doctor slowly increase the dose.
Do not skip any doses of auranofin. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course of medication.
- Allergic to gold compounds and
- Have a history of blood or bone marrow disease
Children: Auranofin is not recommended for use in children as its safety and effectiveness is not established.
Old people:
Pregnant woman:
Auranofin belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that auranofin may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women:
It is not known whether auranofin passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take auranofin with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Doses for auranofin
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Your doctor may start with low dose (once in day) to high dose (two times in a day) to avoid side effects of auranofin.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
Maximum adult dose is 9mg in day.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
Gastro intestinal disorders like Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Skin disorders like itching and skin rash
Less serous side effects are bloating and mild stomach pain
Consult your doctor immediately if you have
- Black stools or blood in the stools.
Store auranofin at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C / 59 – 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any left over portion is disposed off safely.
You should not take auranofin if you had sever allergic reaction to gold compounds.
While using auranofin you need to do blood test frequently to check the side effects of auranofin.
Auranofin can lower the white blood cells this makes you to suseptable to the infections.
While using auranofin avoid long time exposure to sun as you become sensitive to sun light.
Before using auranofin inform your doctor if you have immune deficiency or bone marrow disorder
Written by: Healthplus24.com
Date last updated: May 10, 2012