Ridaura (Auranofin)

Do’s

• The dosage of Ridaura is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Your healthcare provider may start you at a low dose (once a day) and gradually increase it to twice a day to minimize side effects such as upset stomach. 
• Ridaura should be taken orally, either with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day in order to get the most benefit from it. 
• If you have been receiving gold injections, you can usually start taking Ridaura orally as soon as you stop the injections. However, if you are switching from penicillamine, you may need to wait for about 1 month after stopping penicillamine before starting Ridaura. Consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions regarding the transition.
• It may take approximately 3 to 4 months of therapy before you start experiencing the full benefits of Ridaura. Continue taking it as prescribed and inform your healthcare provider if your condition persists or worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not increase your dose or take the medication more often without your healthcare provider's approval. Taking more than the prescribed dose can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Pruritus (itching)
• Skin rash
• Stomatitis
• Loose stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Less Common Side Effects:

• Ulcerative enterocolitis (a rare serious gold reaction)
• Generalized exfoliative dermatitis

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and to report any side effects experienced.

Ridaura may cause more side effects on the stomach compared to gold injections. If you have concerns about these side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Ridaura contains gold and, like other gold-containing drugs, can cause gold toxicity. Signs of gold toxicity may include a fall in hemoglobin, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), decrease in platelets, proteinuria, hematuria, pruritus, rash, stomatitis, or persistent diarrhea. Report any signs or symptoms of gold toxicity promptly to your healthcare provider.

Ridaura has been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, although this is a rare side effect. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms should be monitored for the appearance of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Women of childbearing potential should be warned about the potential risks of Ridaura therapy during pregnancy. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of Ridaura with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Ridaura may interact with other drugs. Consult with your healthcare provider and provide them with a complete list of medications you are taking to check for potential interactions.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Ridaura. Consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and precautions associated with Ridaura.