Ridaura

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How does it work?

Ridaura tablets contain the active ingredient auranofin, which is a tablet form of the precious metal gold. It is often simply called "gold". Whilst it is not known exactly how this medicine works it is thought to damp down some elements of the body's immune response, which is indirectly responsible for the swelling, pain and inflammation of the disease. Sodium aurothiomalate belongs to a mixed group f medicines called "disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs" (DMARDs). Unlike simple painkillers, sodium aurothiomalate actually slows progression of the underlying disease. It does, however, produce more serious side effects. It is used in the treatment active, progressive rheumatoid arthritis.

What is it used for?

- Inflammatory disease of the joints

Warning!

- During long term treatment, routine blood tests are recommended by the manufacturer. This is to ensure that no problems are being caused by the medicine.
- Patients should contact a doctor if they feel unwell. This could be a warning of potentially serious side effects.
- Patients should consult a doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms develop: eye irritation, sore throat, hair loss, high temperature (fever), purple spots or other unexplained bruising / bleeding, mouth ulcers, rash, metallic taste, cough or breathing difficulties.
- The manufacturer recommends regular urine testing during treatment. This is to ensure that no problems are being caused by the medication.

Use with caution in

- Eczema
- Elderly people
- History of allergic itchy skin rashes
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease

Not to be used in

- Blood disorders
- Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
- Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Severe kidney disease
- Severe liver disease
- Skin disease resulting in flaking of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)
- Thickening and stiffening of the lung (pulmonary fibrosis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take this medication with or after food.

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