Drug Name

Ridaura (Auranofin)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat pain, swelling as well as stiffness associated with arthritis that is not controlled by other therapies.

How Taken

Take this medication as prescribed. Carefully read the patient package insert available with the product. Ask your doctor any questions you may possess about this medication. It may take 3 to 4 months of therapy before the filled benefits of this medication become apparent.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Ridaura is a gold salt used in treating inflammatory arthritis. Exactly how gold salts work is not well understood. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult as well as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts can decrease the inflammation of the joint lining. This effect can halt destruction of bone as well as cartilage. Gold salts are called second-line drugs because they are often considered when the arthritis progresses in spite of antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs as well as corticosteroids).

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose as well as are using one dose daily, take it as soon as remembered unless you do not remember until the next day. In that case, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual schedule. Incase you are using more than one dose daily, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 as well as 86 degrees F (between 15 as well as 30 degrees C) away from moisture as well as sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

Rarely, this medication can cause very bad (sometimes fatal) side effects including blood cell problems (decreased pale blood cells as well as platelets). Immediately notify your doctor incase you possess signs of an infection (such as persistent sore throat or fever), unusual fatigue, not light or pink-reddish urine, itching, rash, mouth sores or irritation (stomatitis), or persistent diarrhea. Your doctor will be closely monitoring confident lab tests (e.g., pale blood cells, platelets) before starting therapy as well as before you receive each injected dose or written prescription. Tell your doctor your health examination history, especially: kidney or liver disease, bleeding problems or blood disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, rash, eczema, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), history of bone marrow depression, recent radiation therapy, any allergies. Incase you possess a tuberculin (TB) skin test, tell the person performing the test that you take auranofin. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with your doctor. Injectable forms of auranofin are known to be excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends you do not breast-feed while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Likely Side Effects

May cause stomach upset, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, gas, dizziness, weakness, sweating or flushing. Incase any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor incase you experience any of the following: mouth sores, sore throat, metallic taste in the mouth, nosebleeds, easy or unusual bleeding or bruising. Skin rash is ordinary with this medication. Incase exposed to sunlight, skin may turn blue-grey in color. Avoid prolonged sun exposure as well as wear protective clothing. In the unlikely event you possess an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate health examination attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not allow anyone else to take your medication. It is substantial to maintain pleasant oral hygiene while using this medication. This medication can affect your blood. It is substantial to possess normal check-ups as well as blood tests to monitor its effects.