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AuranofinWarningThis medication can cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects, including diarrhea that doesn't go away, blood cell problems (such as anemia, low white blood cells/platelets), kidney problems, rash, itching, or mouth sores/irritation (stomatitis). Low white blood cells can increase your risk of infection. See Side Effects section for more details. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these side effects. Your doctor will be closely monitoring certain lab tests (such as white blood cells, platelets) before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. It is important that you keep all medical/lab appointments. PrecautionsBefore taking auranofin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other gold or heavy metal compound; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: reaction to gold compound (such as blood disorders, kidney problems, lung problems, stomach/intestinal problems), bleeding problems, blood disorders (such as bone marrow depression), colitis/inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, certain lung problem (fibrosis), kidney disease, liver disease, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), recent radiation therapy. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using auranofin. Auranofin may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsDiarrhea, frequent/loose stools, stomach/abdominal cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, and headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye redness/pain, hair loss, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, signs of low blood count (such as fast/pounding heartbeat, pale skin, unusual tiredness), easy bleeding/bruising, black/bloody stools, cough that doesn't go away, mucus/pus/blood in watery diarrhea, dizziness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), severe stomach/abdominal pain, change in the amount/color of urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin. This medication may cause mouth/lip/throat sores (stomatitis). Tell your doctor if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This could be the first sign of stomatitis. Rinsing your mouth with a mild salt solution may provide some relief. Discuss with your doctor. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Auranofin can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |