Ridaura

What is it?

A gold salt available as film- coated, pale yellow square tablets containing 3mg of auranofin.

Medical Uses

Progressive rheumatoid arthritis not controlled by NSAIDs.

Dosage

Adults, start with 6mg each day in 2 divided doses and continue for at least 3 to 6 months. Dosage can be increased to 3mg 3 times each day if response is not satisfactory. Cease after a further 3 months if response still remains poor.

Special Care

Kidney and liver disorders, rash, past bone marrow depression, inflammatory disorders of the bowel. Blood and urinary protein should be monitored before and during treatment (every month). Women should use effective contraception during and for at least 6 months after, treatment.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, past necrotizing enterocolitis (an acute inflammatory bowel disorder affecting large and small intestines), exfoliative dermatitis, severe blood disorders, bone marrow failure, progressive kidney disease, severe liver disease, SLE (systemic Lupus erythematosus), pulmonary fibrosis.

Known Side Effects

Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rashes, itching, hair loss, ulcerative enterocolitis, blood changes, short-lived, slight changes in liver function, inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis), conjunctivitis, nephrotic syndrome (oedema, low protein in the urine and low blood albumin levels), upset to sense of taste, fibrosis of the lungs. Patients should be asked to report adverse side effects to their doctor.