How does it work?

Sodium aurothiomalate is an injectable 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 of 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 and progressive juvenile chronic 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.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin rashes

Mouth ulcers

Blood disorders which may be serious

Lung disorders

Kidney disease

Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)

Damage to the liver

Loss of hair

Skin pigmentation on areas that are exposed to sun. In long term treatment this may be permanent.

"Pins and needles" sensation in hands and feet (peripheral neuritis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved