Aurothioglucose

Aurothioglucose is used for:

Treating rheumatoid arthritis that cannot be adequately controlled by other medicines. Aurothioglucose is used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Aurothioglucose is an antirheumatic agent. It works by suppressing or preventing swelling and slowing cartilage and bone destruction.

Do NOT use Aurothioglucose if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aurothioglucose
• you have developed severe toxicity from previous exposure to gold or other heavy metals
• you are taking penicillamine
• you have a blood or bleeding disorder

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Aurothioglucose :

Some medical conditions may interact with Aurothioglucose . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have small red spots under the skin, unusual bleeding and bruising, eczema, liver disease, kidney problems, lupus, yellowing of the skin or eyes, inflammation of the skin or mouth, blood circulation problems, chronic arthritis accompanied by dry mouth/eyes, itching, skin rash, or colitis
• if you are debilitated or have recently received radiation therapy

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aurothioglucose . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Penicillamine because the risk of serious blood or kidney problems may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aurothioglucose may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aurothioglucose :

Use Aurothioglucose as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Aurothioglucose is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Aurothioglucose at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Aurothioglucose contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Aurothioglucose , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aurothioglucose .

Important safety information:

• Three to six months may pass before you feel the full effect of Aurothioglucose . Continue receiving injections during this time.
• Joint pain may be worse for 1 or 2 days after your injection, but it should end after the first few injections.
• Aurothioglucose may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Aurothioglucose . Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• After you receive an injection, you may experience flushing, dizziness, or sweating. If you lie down for a few minutes, these effects will usually disappear. If they continue, check with your doctor.
• LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Aurothioglucose is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Aurothioglucose during pregnancy. Aurothioglucose is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Aurothioglucose .

Possible side effects of Aurothioglucose :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; fever; hives; nausea; severe itching; vomiting.

Store Aurothioglucose below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Store in carton until contents are used. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aurothioglucose out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Aurothioglucose , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Aurothioglucose is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Aurothioglucose . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.