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Ridaura (Auranofin) - Summary

 

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Ridaura (auranofin) contains gold and, like other gold-containing drugs, can cause gold toxicity, signs of which include: fall in hemoglobin, leukopenia below 4,000 WBC/cu mm, granulocytes below 1,500/cu mm, decrease in platelets below 150,000/cu mm, proteinuria, hematuria, pruritus, rash, stomatitis or persistent diarrhea. Therefore, the results of recommended laboratory work (See PRECAUTIONS) should be reviewed before writing each Ridaura prescription. Like other gold preparations, Ridaura is only indicated for use in selected patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Physicians planning to use Ridaura should be experienced with chrysotherapy and should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the toxicity and benefits of Ridaura.

In addition, the following precautions should be routinely employed:

  1. The possibility of adverse reactions should be explained to patients before starting therapy.
  2. Patients should be advised to report promptly any symptoms suggesting toxicity. (See PRECAUTIONS—Information for Patients.)
 

RIDAURA SUMMARY

PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
RIDAURA.
Auranofin
Capsules

Ridaura (auranofin) is available in oral form as capsules containing 3 mg auranofin.

Ridaura (auranofin) is indicated in the management of adults with active classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis (ARA criteria) who have had an insufficient therapeutic response to, or are intolerant of, an adequate trial of full doses of one or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ridaura should be added to a comprehensive baseline program, including non-drug therapies.

Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs, Ridaura does not produce an immediate response. Therapeutic effects may be seen after three to four months of treatment, although improvement has not been seen in some patients before six months.

When cartilage and bone damage has already occurred, gold cannot reverse structural damage to joints caused by previous disease. The greatest potential benefit occurs in patients with active synovitis, particularly in its early stage.

In controlled clinical trials comparing Ridaura with injectable gold, Ridaura was associated with fewer dropouts due to adverse reactions, while injectable gold was associated with fewer dropouts for inadequate or poor therapeutic effect. Physicians should consider these findings when deciding on the use of Ridaura in patients who are candidates for chrysotherapy.

RIDAURA NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Ridaura (Auranofin)

Study Examines How Rheumatoid Arthritis Destroys Bone
Source: MedicineNet Arthritis Specialty [2008.08.25]

Discovery Of How Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes Bone Loss Holds Implications For Autoimmune Disease And Osteoporosis
Source: Arthritis / Rheumatology News From Medical News Today [2008.08.22]

Study Examines How Rheumatoid Arthritis Destroys Bone (HealthDay)
Source: Y! Health Arthritis News [2008.08.22]

Pipex Pharmaceuticals Acquires Late-Stage Oral Phase II Candidate For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Source: Arthritis / Rheumatology News From Medical News Today [2008.08.21]

Scientists To Develop Rheumatoid Arthritis Vaccine
Source: Arthritis / Rheumatology News From Medical News Today [2008.08.15]

more>>

Published Studies Related to Ridaura (Auranofin)

Does sulphasalazine cause drug induced systemic lupus erythematosus? No effect evident in a prospective randomised trial of 200 rheumatoid patients treated with sulphasalazine or auranofin over five years. [1999.05]

A long-term five-year randomized controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine, sodium aurothiomalate, auranofin and penicillamine in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [1998.09]

CPH-82 (Reumacon) versus auranofin (Ridaura): a 36-week study of their respective onset of action rates in RA. [1998]

Auranofin is safe and superior to placebo in elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis. [1997.08]

Sulfasalazine has a better efficacy/toxicity profile than auranofin--evidence from a 5 year prospective, randomized trial. [1996.11]

more>>

Page last updated: 2008-08-25

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