Ridaura (Auranofin) is a prescription medication used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded to or cannot take other medicines. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation. Ridaura is often part of a complete treatment program that includes rest and physical therapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This drug may also be used to treat psoriatic arthritis. The active ingredient in Ridaura is Auranofin. Auranofin is a gold compound. Auranofin belongs to a class of drugs called antirheumatic agents. It decreases pain and stiffness in the joints due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Ridaura from Canada manufactured by Xediton Pharmaceuticals in the strength of 3mg tablets. The generic Auranofin is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Ridaura. The most common side effects of Ridaura may include the following:
• Blisters or ulcers in your mouth;
• Diarrhea;
• Itching;
• Rash;
• Swallowing difficulties
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Bloody or tarry stools;
• Severe diarrhea;
• Severe skin rash;
• Signs of kidney problems, including puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, bloody urine;
• Sudden chest pain
These are not all of the side effects of Ridaura. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Ridaura if you are allergic to Auranofin or any ingredient in Ridaura. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a bone marrow disorder;
• Have a history of gold-induced disorders;
• Have inflammatory bowel disease;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Ridaura and phenytoin, penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine, gold injections, etc. Avoid azathioprine, methotrexate, or high doses of prednisone with Ridaura. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Auranofin will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed when using this drug. Take Ridaura precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It may take up to 6 months of using this medication before your symptoms improve. Keep using this drug and inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 to 4 months of treatment. Ridaura may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors. Store Ridaura at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.