Auranofin

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (au rane' oh fin)

Why is this medication 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 should this medicine 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.


What are the precautions to be followed?

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.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

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
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


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

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.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Musculo-Skeletal System
  • Antiinflammatory and Antirheumatic Products
  • Specific Antirheumatic Agents
  • Gold Preparations
  • Gold preparations
Prescribed Used in the treatment of active, progressive or destructive forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as adult rheumatoid arthritis.
Weight :678.484
Structure Auranofin
Generic Drug Auranofin prescribed Used in the treatment of active, progressive or destructive forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as adult rheumatoid arthritis.
Formula

C20H34AuO9PS

Auranofin has 1 Brands listed


Goldar (3 mg)

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