Auranofin: Uses, indications and notes when using

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Auranofin is used as part of a complete rheumatoid arthritis treatment, including non-drug therapies such as physical therapy. Auranofin is currently used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to or cannot take other rheumatoid arthritis medications.

1. What is Auranofin?

Auranofin is used as part of a complete rheumatoid arthritis treatment that includes non-drug therapies such as physical therapy.
Auranofin is not a real pain reliever like aspirin. But Auranofin is thought to reduce the pain that occurs with arthritis by reducing inflammation. Auranofin is also known as a disease-modifying antidepressant (DMARD). Auranofin also works to reduce stiffness in the morning and reduce pain and swelling in the joints.

2. Indications and notes when using Auranofin

Auranofin is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When using Auranofin, you should note the following:
Auranofin is usually prescribed with a doctor's instruction sheet. Read that leaflet carefully, if you have any questions, ask your doctor right away. Auranofin is taken by mouth, usually one to two times a day on an empty or full stomach, or as directed by your doctor. The dose of Auranofin is calculated based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce side effects such as stomach upset, your doctor may start you on Auranofin at a low dose, once a day and slowly increase it to twice a day. You must not increase your dose or take this medicine more often without your doctor's approval. The condition won't improve any faster when you do, even increasing the risk of serious side effects. The usual maximum dose for adults is 9 milligrams per day. Nearly half of patients experienced diarrhea or loose stools more often while taking Auranofin. If this persists or becomes a concern, your doctor may reduce your dose or ask you to temporarily stop the medication. Do not stop or change the dose of Auranofin without talking to your doctor. Take Auranofin regularly to get the best results. To help you remember and avoid forgetting to take your medication, take Auranofin at the same time(s) each day. If you have received Auranofin injections, you can start taking Auranofin supplements orally immediately after stopping the injection. If you are taking penicillamine, you will usually need to wait 1 month after stopping penicillamine before starting auranofin. It may take 3 to 4 months of treatment before you see the full effects of Auranofin. Tests such as complete blood count, liver/kidney function tests, urinalysis should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Tell your doctor if your rheumatoid arthritis persists or worsens while using Auranofin.

3. Side effects of the drug Auranofin

Stomach cramps or abdominal pain may occur, usually within the first few hours after taking Auranofin. Nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn and headache may also occur while you use Auranofin. If any side effects persist or worsen during treatment with Auranofin, notify your doctor immediately.
Remember, your doctor has prescribed Auranofin because he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Auranofin without experiencing any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of the following serious side effects occur while taking Auranofin: red or painful eyes, hair loss, numbness or tingling of the arms or legs.
Auranofin can cause sores in the mouth (stomatitis) or lips and throat. Tell your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms in your mouth. This may be the first sign of stomatitis. Gargling with a mild salt solution can help relieve the pain.
Tell your doctor right away if any of the following rare but very serious side effects occur:
Signs of a low blood count such as: fast or pounding heartbeat, pale skin, fatigue abnormal. Easy bleeding or bruising. Black or bloody stools. Persistent cough Mucus or pus or blood in stools, diarrhea. Shortness of breath, dizziness Signs of infection such as: fever, persistent sore throat, .. Severe abdominal pain. Unusual fatigue Change in color or quantity of urine. Vomit looks like coffee grounds Yellow eyes, yellow skin. Rarely, a very serious allergic reaction to Auranofin has been reported. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction while using Auranofin, including: itching or swelling in any part, especially especially in the face, tongue or throat, rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Skin rashes are common with Auranofin and can be serious. Itching is often the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash or itching after using Auranofin.
Below are Auranofin side effects by likelihood and severity.
Common side effects of Auranofin include:
Skin rash Increased protein in urine Itching Red eyes Inflammation of the stomatitis Decreased appetite Diarrhea Ợ slightly Nausea Stomach cramps Vomiting Uncommon side effects Auranofin medications include:
Painful, red, or swollen tongue Bloody urine Low platelets in the blood Hair loss Honeycomb Eosinophils in the blood Large purple or brown skin spots Low white blood cell levels Constipation Taste impairment This is not a complete list of Auranofin side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed above while using Auranofin, contact your doctor.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Auranofin

Before taking Auranofin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to the drug or to any other gold or heavy metal compounds. Auranofin may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Auranofin should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor if you have:
History of reactions to gold compounds such as blood disorders, kidney problems, lung problems, kidney problems stomach or intestines. Bleeding problems, blood disorders such as bone marrow failure. Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. Eczema Some lung problems (fibrosis) Kidney disease Liver disease Systemic lupus erythematosus Recent radiation therapy

Auranofin may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun as much as possible. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get a sunburn.
Auranofin is not recommended for use during pregnancy, because it can harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Auranofin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding while being treated with Auranofin.

5. Auranofin drug interactions

Your doctor may already be aware of any possible interactions between Auranofin and other medicines you are taking. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine before checking with your doctor.
Auranofin should not be used with penicillamine because a very serious interaction can occur. If you are using penicillamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking auranofin.
Auranofin may interfere with certain tests, including TB skin tests, causing false test results. Make sure laboratory staff and all your doctors know you are using Auranofin.

6. What to do when using an overdose of Auranofin

If you or someone else has overdosed on Auranofin and has serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911.
In case you miss a dose of Auranofin, take it as soon as you remember. out. If you find that it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and take your next dose as usual. Do not take a double dose of Auranofin to make up for a missed dose.

7. Preservation of Auranofin

Store Auranofin at room temperature from 15-30 degrees Celsius, protected from light and moisture. Do not store Auranofin in the bathroom. Keep Auranofin out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush Auranofin down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of Auranofin properly when it has expired or is no longer needed by you.
The use of Auranofin medicine should be followed as directed by the pharmacist or doctor to bring about positive effects in the treatment of the disease. However, in the case of taking medication for a certain period of time but the condition of rheumatoid arthritis does not change, the patient should see a doctor to discuss specifically about the current condition.

Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that always ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, a system of modern equipment and technology along with examination, consultation and treatment services. Comprehensive and professional.
Although there is currently no specific treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, through examination, doctors can intervene a few measures to control the situation of the disease. In some cases, aggressive treatment can relieve rheumatoid arthritis. This method will be an effective combination between the use of drugs, dietary changes and the implementation of specific exercise exercises prescribed by a specialist doctor.

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Reference source: webmd.com