Ridaura (Auranofin) 3mg

Gold Compound

“Alert: Black Box Warning

Gold Toxicities

Auranofin contains gold and, like other gold-containing drugs, can cause gold toxicity, signs of which include: Fall in hemoglobin, leukopenia <4,000 WBC/mm3, granulocytes <1,500/mm3, decrease in platelets <150,000/mm3, proteinuria, hematuria, pruritus, rash, stomatitis or persistent diarrhea.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Auranofin, Ridaura is a gold compound that decrease cellular proliferation, reduce antibody and cytokine release, and inhibit collagenase action.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Before starting Auranofin, Ridaura make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.   Auranofin, Ridaura can cause serious dermatologic reactions (i.e. rash, exfoliative dermatitis, pruritis), gastrointestinal effects (i.e. nausea, vomiting, anorexia, ulcerative enterocolitis), hematologic effects, hepatic and renal impairment.  It is important that a physician who is experienced with chrysotherapy and familiar with the toxicity and benefits of the therapy should only prescribe and monitor patients on Auranofin, Ridura.

Oral: 6mg to 9mg daily in divided doses.

How to Take:  Take with or without food.

Skin rash, pruritis, diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, stomatitis.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Auranofin, Ridaura only common ones.

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.
2. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  Auranofin is used for treatment resistant rheumatoid arthritis which can leave to disfiguring joint damage if left untreated and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to see if any serious complications are starting to arise and be able to adjust therapy to prevent progression.