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Overview: Ridaura is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is a form of gold that may help reduce arthritis symptoms. Common side effects include diarrhea, skin rash or itching, and stomach pain. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, and kidney problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you have easy bleeding or bruising or notice any changes in your pee.

Uses

What is Ridaura used for?

Ridaura (auranofin) is commonly used to treat certain types of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints.

Ridaura may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ridaura work (mechanism of action)?

It is not fully understood how Ridaura works. It is a form of gold that may help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint inflammation and pain.

How is Ridaura supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ridaura

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 3 mg oral capsules

How should I store Ridaura?

Ridaura should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ridaura?

The most common side effects of Ridaura are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Gas
  • Upset stomach
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Mouth sores
  • A metallic taste in your mouth
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

There may be other side effects of Ridaura that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ridaura?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ridaura are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ridaura may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Ridaura and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Ridaura can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop taking Ridaura and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infections
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Kidney Problems. Ridaura can cause your kidneys to not work as well as they should. It may lead to a high amount of protein in your pee (proteinuria) or blood in your pee (hematuria). Stop taking Ridaura and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • More or less pee than usual
  • Foamy or bubbly pee
  • Burning or pain when you pee
  • A strong urge to pee
  • Pain in your lower belly, lower back, pelvis, or sides
  • Fatigue, weakness, confusion, or drowsiness
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling throughout your body or weight gain
  • Muscle cramps at night

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ridaura?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Ridaura.

  • Auranofin
  • Ridaura
  • Any other medicine known as gold therapy
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ridaura.

Prior Problems With Gold Therapy. People who have had problems with gold therapy in the past, including blood disorders, scarring of the lungs, or severe skin reactions, should not take Ridaura. Tell your health care provider about any problems you have had with past treatments.

What should I know about Ridaura before using it?

Do not take Ridaura unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Ridaura with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Ridaura out of the reach of children.

Your health care provider may check your blood and urine (pee) while you are taking Ridaura. Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for lab tests and blood work.

It may take three to six months of treatment with Ridaura before it starts to improve your symptoms. Talk to your health care provider about any concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ridaura?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ridaura is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ridaura may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Ridaura, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ridaura could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ridaura passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Ridaura while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ridaura?

For more information about Ridaura, you can call the manufacturer at 844-732-3521 or 800-727-7151.

Interactions

Does Ridaura interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ridaura and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ridaura.

Does Ridaura interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ridaura. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ridaura?

If you or someone else has used too much Ridaura, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ridaura?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.