Ridaura

Ridaura is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be used for the treatment of other conditions under the supervision of a doctor.

This drug can also cause serious side effects in addition to its beneficial effects. Therefore it is necessary that you discuss with your doctor about the risks of this drug.

Auranofin is available only with your doctor's prescription. The other gold compounds are given by your health care professional. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Capsule

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Ridaura. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, not enough studies have been done in humans. However, animal studies reveal that these can cause birth defects

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

Ridaura can cause interactions with following drugs:

• Chloroquine
• Artemether
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Halofantrine
• Penicillamine
• Mefloquine
• Proguanil
• Primaquine
• Quinacrine
• Pyrimethamine
• Quinine
• Quinidine

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Skin disease—The chance of unwanted effects may be increased
• Kidney disease (or history of)
• Blood or blood vessel disease
• Lupus erythematosus
• Colitis
• Sjögren's syndrome

Proper usage of Ridaura requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Continue receiving the injection or taking auranofin, even if you don’t find any improvement in your symptoms. In order for this medicine to work, it must be taken regularly as ordered by your doctor.

Continue receiving the injections or taking auranofin even if you think the medicine is not working. You may not notice the effects of this medicine until after three to six months of regular use.

For patients taking auranofin:

• Do not take more of this medicine than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much auranofin may increase the chance of serious unwanted effects.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

Before using Ridaura, there are some precautions you must take. Ridaura can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing in order to avoid sunlight.

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. The doctor may order some blood tests in order to determine the blood levels of the drug.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Ridaura. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• metallic taste—less common with auranofin
• irritation or soreness of tongue—less common with auranofin
• skin rash or itching
• redness, soreness, swelling or bleeding of gums—rare with auranofin
• bloody or cloudy urine
• ulcers, sores, or white spots on lips or in mouth or throat
• hives
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning (severe)
• coughing, hoarseness, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• decreased urination
• dark urine
• decreased vision
• the feeling of something in the eye
• difficulty in swallowing
• fever
• hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there)
• hair loss
• irritation of the vagina
• irritation of nose, throat, or upper chest area, possibly with hoarseness or coughing
• nausea, vomiting, or heartburn (severe and/or continuing)
• pale stools
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, especially in the face, hands, arms, or feet
• painful or difficult urination
• pain, redness, itching or tearing of eyes
• pain in lower back, side, or lower abdomen (stomach) area
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• red, thickened, or scaly skin
• problems with muscle coordination
• swelling of face, fingers, ankles, lower legs, or feet
• a sore throat and fever with or without chills
• swellings (large) on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, and/or tongue
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• swollen and/or painful glands
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on lanthanum. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.