Type of medicine: antirheumatic
Generic and brand names: auranofin, oral; Ridaura
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. Make sure you understand what the risks and benefits of treatment are.
Take this medicine after meals or a snack.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to, even if you start to feel better. If you stop taking this medicine, your pain will return. Your healthcare provider may have you take other medicines with this one. Follow all directions carefully.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: painful urination, fever, sores in your mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, itching.
You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Read the instructions that come in the package of medicine with the capsules.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have signs of an infection (such as persistent sore throat or fever), unusual tiredness or weakness, dark or pink-reddish urine, itching, rash, mouth sores or irritation, or constant diarrhea.
This medicine may make you more sensitive to the sun than you normally are. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. The sun or ultraviolet light may cause your skin to turn gray or blue where it has been exposed to the sun.
This medicine may cause mouth sores. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bleeding or bruising; metallic taste or sores in mouth or throat; swelling or soreness of tongue; severe skin rash or itching; bloody urine; chills and fever; sore throat; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; black or tarry stools; unusual tiredness or weakness; constant diarrhea.
Other: Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, gas, constipation, hair loss, mild rash or itch, swelling or irritation of the eyes.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
