Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Ridaura

Generic Name: auranofin (Pronunciation: aw RAN oh fin)

What is auranofin (Ridaura)?

Auranofin is a form of gold that reduces some of the effects of the inflammatory process in the body.

Auranofin is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Auranofin is usually given when other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Auranofin will not reverse any cartilage or joint damage that has already occurred in your body.

Auranofin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ridaura 3 mg-PRO

brown/peach, imprinted with RIDAURA

What are the possible side effects of auranofin (Ridaura)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

itching or skin rash;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
pain or swelling in your gums or tongue, metallic taste in your mouth;
severe or ongoing diarrhea;
severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
blood in your urine;
weakness or fainting;
black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain or upset;
gas, bloating; or
loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

You should not use this medication if you have ever had a severe reaction to gold therapy that affected your skin, lungs, bone marrow, blood cells, or your stomach or intestines.

Before taking auranofin, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, bone marrow disorder, kidney or liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Auranofin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis.

Keep using auranofin as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 or 4 months of treatment.

Stop taking auranofin and call your doctor at once if you have a skin rash or itching, mouth sores, severe diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or unusual weakness, or any signs of infection (fever, chills, flu symptoms).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking auranofin (Ridaura)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.