$Unique_ID{BRK01841}
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$Title{AURANOFIN}
$Subject{Ridaura (Smith Kline & French)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AURANOFIN
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Ridaura (Smith Kline & French)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antirheumatic
INGREDIENT:
     auranofin
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (3 mg)
STORAGE:
     Auranofin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Auranofin is a gold compound used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis.
It is unclear how auranofin works to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis.

TREATMENT

     Auranofin can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  It can be taken along with other antirheumatic
medications.
     The full effects of auranofin for the control of arthritis symptoms may
not become apparent for several months.  It is important to continue taking
this medication until your doctor instructs you to do otherwise.
     Auranofin is generally reserved for arthritis patients who have not
responded to or did not tolerate other medications.  It should be used in
conjunction with, not in place of, a total treatment program, which can
include diet, exercise, rest, and heat treatments.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, loss of
appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  As your body adjusts to auranofin, these
effects should disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, fever, gingivitis (inflammation of
the gums), hair loss, itching, metallic taste, mouth sores, persistent
diarrhea, rash, shortness of breath, tingling or pain in the fingers or toes,
tongue sores, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     Auranofin can increase the blood concentration of phenytoin, which can
increase the risk of side effects.
     Before taking auranofin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially if you are taking phenytoin.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to auranofin or injectable gold compounds
(aurothioglucose or gold sodium thioglucose).
     * Before taking auranofin, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or
if you have ever had blood disorders, bone marrow disease, inflammatory bowel
disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), kidney disease, liver
disease, or rash.  Regular blood and urine tests should be performed to assess
possible side effects of auranofin.  It is important for you to keep all your
scheduled appointments in order to avoid possible complications.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in pregnant women have
not been performed.  However, birth defects have occurred in the offspring of
pregnant animals given large doses of auranofin.  Also, tell your doctor if
you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not yet known if auranofin passes
into human breast milk, but it has been shown to pass into the milk of
animals.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
