DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Aurothioglucose

March 21, 2017

Aurothioglucose injection

What is aurothioglucose injection?

AUROTHIOGLUCOSE (Solganal®) is a gold compound that reduces inflammation and swelling due to arthritis. The response of the immune system may contribute to arthritis. Gold may affect this system and slow down the progression of the disease. Aurothioglucose helps to treat the early stages of adult or juvenile (childhood) rheumatoid arthritis. It is not effective in treating advanced cases of arthritis and is reserved for those cases that do not respond well to aspirin, other salicylates, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (for example, ibuprofen). Generic aurothioglucose injections are available.

NOTE:This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • anemia or other blood disorders

  • cancer or cancer treatments (radiation therapy)

  • colitis

  • congestive heart failure

  • eczema

  • fibrotic lung disease

  • high blood pressure

  • inflammatory bowel disease

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • receiving intramuscular injections

  • Sjogren's syndrome

  • skin rash or other disorders

  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to aurothioglucose, gold compounds, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Aurothioglucose is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose, you will have an injection once a week. Keep your scheduled appointments and notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What drug(s) may interact with aurothioglucose?

  • antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

  • ACE inhibitors (such as benazepril, enalapril, or lisinopril)

  • certain antibiotics given by injection

  • carbamazepine

  • clozapine

  • flucytosine

  • medicines for cancer chemotherapy

  • medicine for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • penicillamine

  • vancomycin

  • zidovudine, AZT

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking aurothioglucose?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your prescriber or health care professional may schedule blood and urine tests to make sure you do not have unwanted side effects. It may take 1 to 2 months before you see the full benefit of this medicine. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

To avoid unwanted reactions you should lie down to receive aurothioglucose injection and remain for at least 10 minutes afterwards.

Your skin may get more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving aurothioglucose?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • bloody, black, or tarry stools

  • blood in the urine

  • fever, chills, or sore throat

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • hair loss

  • mouth sores

  • reduced amount of urine passed

  • skin rash or itching

  • swelling or irritation of the eyes

  • swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue

  • unusual bleeding, bruising

  • unusual tiredness, or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in taste

  • diarrhea

  • discoloration of skin

  • indigestion or gas

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, vomiting

  • stomach pain or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 0 and 30 degrees C (32 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Shake well before using. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert