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What is the most important information I should know about auranofin?

Call your doctor immediately if you experience itching, a rash, a sore mouth, indigestion, a metallic taste in your mouth, severe or bloody diarrhea, easy bruising, or a nosebleed. These could be early signs of a toxic effect.

In rare cases, exposure to sunlight may cause areas of the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. To lessen this effect, minimize exposure to sunlight and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What is auranofin?

Auranofin is a form of gold. Gold suppresses the inflammatory process.

Auranofin is used orally to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Although not approved by the FDA for these purposes, auranofin has also been used with corticosteroids to treat pemphigus and to treat psoriatic arthritis in patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Auranofin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking auranofin?

Before taking auranofin, tell your doctor if you

• have ever had any type of reaction to a gold compound;

• have a history of bone marrow depression or blood problems;

• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

• have congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or any other type of heart disease;

• have diabetes;

• have inflammatory bowel disease;

• have a rash; or

• have a lung disease.

You may not be able to take auranofin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Auranofin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether auranofin will harm an unborn baby. Auranofin does cross the placenta, and it accumulates in the tissue of a baby. Do not take auranofin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether auranofin passes into breast milk. Auranofin is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take auranofin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take auranofin?

Take auranofin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water. Do not stop taking auranofin unless your doctor approves. It may be up to 2 months before any benefit is seen and 6 months or more before the full effects of this medication are obtained. Store auranofin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an auranofin overdose include blood in your urine, painful urination, fever, sores or ulcers in your mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and itching. An auranofin overdose can result in death.

What should I avoid while taking auranofin?

In rare cases, exposure to sunlight may cause areas of the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. To lessen this effect, minimize exposure to sunlight and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.