Auranofin

Auranofin is used, with rest and nondrug therapy, to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It improves arthritis symptoms including painful or tender and swollen joints and morning stiffness. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Auranofin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. It must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. The full effect of this drug usually is not felt for 3-4 months; in some people, it may take up to 6 months. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take auranofin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Auranofin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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metallic taste</li>
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loose stools or diarrhea</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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gas</li>
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hair loss</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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bloody or tarry stools</li>
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itching</li>
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skin rash</li>
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sore throat</li>
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mouth sores</li>
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fever</li>
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chills</li>
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unusual bruising or bleeding</li>
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blood in the urine</li>
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fatigue</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking auranofin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to auranofin or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially arthritis medications, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; bleeding problems; inflammatory bowel disease; colitis; rash; eczema; SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus); or a history of bone marrow depression. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking auranofin. be aware that you should not drink alcohol while taking this medication. plan to avoid unneccessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Auranofin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.