Ridaura (Auranofin)

Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

NPC's mission is your health. We recognize your need for help when you are applying for discount programs for your prescription medications. We consist of friendly and experienced advocates that not only know how these free and discount programs work, but are ready to help. We are available to take your call and answer any questions you may have as you search for the right program to fit your needs. We can also explain any supporting material you may need to provide as you apply for these programs. If for any reason you are denied, we also are experienced in the best appeals process with a high success rate.

NPC's mission is your health. We recognize your need for help when you are applying for discount programs for your prescription medications. We consist of friendly and experienced advocates that not only know how these free and discount programs work, but are ready to help. We are available to take your call and answer any questions you may have as you search for the right program to fit your needs. We can also explain any supporting material you may need to provide as you apply for these programs. If for any reason you are denied, we also are experienced in the best appeals process with a high success rate.

Antirheumatics

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This medication is used as part of a complete treatment program including non-drug therapies (e.g., rest, physical therapy) to treat active rheumatoid arthritis. It is used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to or cannot take other medications. Auranofin is a gold compound. Auranofin is not a true pain reliever (e.g., like aspirin) but it is thought to decrease pain that occurs with arthritis by decreasing inflammation. It is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It decreases morning stiffness and pain/swelling in joints and can increase grip strength.

This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To decrease side effects such as upset stomach, your doctor may start you at a low dose (once a day) and slowly increase to twice a day. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. The usual maximum adult dose is 9 milligrams each day. Almost half of all patients have diarrhea or more frequent/loose stools while taking this medication. If this persists or becomes a problem, your doctor may lower the dose or have you temporarily stop the medication. Do not stop or change the dose of your medicine without talking with your doctor. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If you have been receiving gold injections, you can usually start taking gold by mouth as soon as you stop the injections. If you are changing over from penicillamine, you will usually need to wait 1 month after stopping the penicillamine before starting auranofin. Ask your doctor for more details. It may take 3 to 4 months of therapy before you see the full benefits of this medication.

Stomach/abdominal cramping may occur, usually within the first several hours after taking this medication. Nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, and headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye redness/pain, hair loss, numbness/tingling of arms/legs. This medication may cause mouth/lip/throat sores (stomatitis). Tell your doctor if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This could be the first sign of stomatitis. Rinsing your mouth with a mild salt solution may provide some relief. Discuss with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of low blood count (e.g., fast/pounding heartbeat, pale skin, unusual tiredness), easy bleeding/bruising, black/bloody stools, persistent cough, mucus/pus/blood in watery diarrhea, difficult/painful breathing, dizziness, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, change in the amount/color of urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is uncommon. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Skin rash is common with this medication and can be serious. Itching is often the first sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop any rash or itching. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: penicillamine. If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting auranofin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: phenytoin. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including tuberculin skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.