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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Aurum Met
Generic Name
Aurum Metallicum
Active Ingredient
GoldCategory
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 [hp_C]/mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 44911-0380 |
Detailed information about Aurum Met
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Aurum Met, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Gold, primarily utilized in pharmaceutical forms such as Auranofin, is a Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) and allergenic extract used to manage autoimmune conditions and identify chemical sensitivities.
For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the standard adult dose of oral gold (auranofin) is 3 mg twice daily or 6 mg once daily. If an inadequate response is observed after six months, your healthcare provider may increase the dose to 3 mg three times daily. Doses exceeding 9 mg per day are generally not recommended due to increased toxicity risks.
Gold is approved for use in children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The typical starting dose is 0.1 mg/kg/day, with a maintenance dose of 0.15 mg/kg/day. Pediatric use must be strictly monitored by a pediatric rheumatologist.
Gold is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment. In mild to moderate cases, significant dose reductions are required as the drug is primarily cleared by the kidneys.
Caution is advised in patients with liver disease; regular monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs) is mandatory during therapy.
Lower starting doses are often used in the elderly due to the higher prevalence of decreased renal function and potential for drug-drug interactions.
Oral gold should be taken exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with a meal may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea. Capsules should be swallowed whole. Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and direct light.
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 resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Signs of gold overdose include severe vomiting, diarrhea, rapid onset of skin rash, and blood in the urine. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
> Warning: Stop taking Gold and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use of Gold can lead to cumulative toxicity in the kidneys and bone marrow. Regular blood and urine monitoring are required for the duration of the treatment to catch these issues early.
While Gold does not always carry a standardized Black Box Warning in all jurisdictions, the FDA-approved labeling emphasizes the risk of severe hematologic and renal toxicity. Physicians must monitor CBC and urinalysis before every injection or every few weeks for oral therapy.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Gold therapy requires a commitment to frequent medical monitoring. Because of its potential for severe toxicity, it is generally not a first-line therapy. Patients must be aware that the benefits of Gold often take 3 to 6 months to become apparent.
No FDA black box warnings are currently mandated for Auranofin, but the clinical literature emphasizes that Gold should only be used by physicians experienced in chrysotherapy and the management of its toxicities.
Patients on Gold require baseline and periodic:
Gold generally does not cause drowsiness; however, if you experience dizziness or blurred vision, avoid operating heavy machinery.
Alcohol should be limited while taking Gold, as both substances can stress the liver and kidneys.
Gold therapy should be discontinued if signs of toxicity (rash, proteinuria, or low blood counts) occur. There is no specific tapering requirement, but the drug remains in the body for months after the last dose.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Gold.
There are no specific food restrictions, but high-fiber diets may help manage the diarrhea associated with oral gold therapy.
Gold can interfere with certain laboratory tests, particularly those involving the measurement of protein in the urine using dipstick methods, potentially leading to false-positive results.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients with a known allergy to elemental gold (often found in jewelry) may be at higher risk for allergic reactions to pharmaceutical gold salts.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Gold.
Gold is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C (some forms Category D). Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects (birth defects). It is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while on Gold therapy.
Gold is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants (including skin rashes and kidney issues), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug.
Approved for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in children aged 6 and older. It is not approved for children under the age of 6. Growth monitoring is recommended for children on long-term therapy.
Patients over 65 are at a higher risk for Gold-induced toxicity due to age-related declines in kidney function. Providers typically start with the lowest possible dose and monitor renal function closely.
In patients with a GFR below 50 mL/min, Gold should be used with extreme caution or avoided entirely. Dialysis does not effectively remove gold from the bloodstream.
Gold should be avoided in patients with active hepatitis or significant cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class B or C) due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Gold compounds function as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). They are taken up by macrophages, where they inhibit lysosomal enzymes and reduce the release of reactive oxygen species. This action blunts the inflammatory cascade in the synovium. Some evidence suggests Gold also acts as an Adrenergic Agonist [MoA] and Cholinesterase Inhibitor [MoA] in specific peripheral tissues, though the clinical significance of these actions in arthritis is secondary to its immune-modulating effects.
The onset of action for Gold is slow, typically requiring 3 to 6 months of continuous therapy before clinical improvement is seen. Once a steady state is reached, the anti-inflammatory effects can persist for weeks or months after the medication is discontinued due to the long biological half-life.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 25% (Oral) |
| Protein Binding | 60% - 95% |
| Half-life | 21 - 31 Days |
| Tmax | 1 - 2 Hours |
| Metabolism | Non-enzymatic (Complexation) |
| Excretion | Renal 60%, Fecal 40% |
Common questions about Aurum Met
Gold is primarily used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children who have not responded well to other treatments. It belongs to a class of drugs called Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), which work by suppressing the immune system to reduce joint inflammation. By slowing down the disease process, Gold helps prevent permanent joint damage and disability. It is also used in specialized diagnostic patch tests to identify gold allergies. Your doctor will determine if Gold is appropriate based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
The most common side effect of oral Gold therapy is diarrhea, which affects nearly half of all patients and often occurs early in treatment. Other frequent side effects include skin rashes, itching, and small sores in the mouth (stomatitis). Some patients may also notice a metallic taste in their mouth or general stomach upset. While these are common, they must be reported to a healthcare provider to ensure they do not progress to more serious conditions. Most mild side effects can be managed by adjusting the dosage under medical supervision.
It is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Gold compounds. Both alcohol and Gold are processed by the liver and can place stress on the kidneys, potentially increasing the risk of organ toxicity. Excessive alcohol use can also worsen the gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, that are common with Gold therapy. If you do choose to drink, you should discuss safe limits with your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of your liver and kidney function will be necessary regardless of alcohol intake.
Gold is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it is classified in FDA Pregnancy Category C or D, depending on the specific formulation. Research suggests that gold can cross the placenta and may cause harm to a developing fetus, including potential birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control while taking Gold and for several months after stopping the medication. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you must notify your doctor immediately to discuss alternative treatments. The risks to the fetus usually outweigh the benefits of continuing Gold therapy during pregnancy.
Gold is a slow-acting medication and does not provide immediate pain relief like ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Most patients do not see any significant improvement in their arthritis symptoms for at least 3 to 6 months. Because of this delay, doctors often prescribe other fast-acting anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain while waiting for the Gold to take effect. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of consistent use at the maximum tolerated dose, the therapy is usually considered ineffective and discontinued. Patience and consistent dosing are essential for this treatment.
You should not stop taking Gold suddenly without first consulting your healthcare provider. While there is no specific withdrawal syndrome associated with Gold, stopping the medication may cause your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to flare up or worsen. Furthermore, because Gold stays in your body for a very long time (several months), side effects may continue even after you stop taking the drug. Your doctor will provide a plan to safely discontinue the medication if it is no longer working or if you experience toxicity. Always follow professional medical advice when changing your medication regimen.
If you miss a dose of Gold, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and simply take the next one at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of toxic side effects. Keeping a consistent schedule is important for maintaining steady levels of the drug in your system. If you frequently forget your doses, consider using a pill organizer or setting a daily alarm.
Weight gain is not a typical side effect of Gold therapy. In fact, some patients may experience slight weight loss due to gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea or a decreased appetite. If you notice significant or rapid weight gain while taking Gold, it could be a sign of a serious kidney problem called nephrotic syndrome, which causes the body to retain fluid. This would typically be accompanied by swelling in the ankles, legs, or face. You should report any unusual swelling or rapid weight changes to your doctor immediately for evaluation.
Gold can interact with several other medications, so it is vital to inform your doctor of everything you are taking. It is particularly dangerous to take Gold with penicillamine, as this combination significantly increases the risk of severe blood and kidney disorders. Other drugs that suppress the immune system, like methotrexate, may be used with caution but require very close monitoring of blood counts. Even over-the-counter supplements like high-dose Vitamin C can affect how Gold is processed by your body. Your pharmacist can check for specific interactions with your current medication list.
Yes, some forms of gold salts, such as auranofin, are available as generic medications. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, strength, and effectiveness as the brand-name versions. Choosing a generic can often reduce the cost of treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, availability may vary depending on your location and specific pharmacy. You should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic version is available and appropriate for your treatment plan.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Gold)