Side Effects of This Medicine

Gold compounds have been shown to cause tumors and cancer of the kidney when given to animals in large amounts for a long time. However, these effects have not been reported in humans receiving gold compounds for arthritis. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, side effects may occur at any time during treatment with this medicine and up to many months after treatment has ended , and they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Irritation or soreness of tongue—less common with auranofin; metallic taste—less common with auranofin; skin rash or itching; redness, soreness, swelling, or bleeding of gums—rare with auranofin; ulcers, sores, or white spots on lips or in mouth or throat

Less common

Bloody or cloudy urine; hives

Rare

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

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common with auranofin; rare with injections

Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain (mild or moderate); bloated feeling, gas, or indigestion (mild or moderate); decrease or loss of appetite; diarrhea or loose stools; nausea or vomiting (mild or moderate)

Less common

Constipation—with auranofin; joint pain—with injections

Some patients receiving auranofin have noticed changes in the taste of certain foods. If you notice a metallic taste while receiving any gold compound, check with your doctor as soon as possible. If you notice any other taste changes while you are taking auranofin, it is not necessary to check with your doctor unless you find this effect especially bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.