Auranofin
Also known as: Ridaura, Crisinor, Crisofin, Goldar, Ridauran
> **Important**: This medication requires strict adherence to dosing and monitoring schedules. * **Patience is Key**: It may take several months of consistent dosing before a positive response is seen in your pet. * **Strict Schedule**: Commitment to the twice-daily dosing schedule is essential for success. * **Monitoring**: Frequent blood and urine tests are absolutely necessary to catch potential severe side effects (like kidney, liver, or bone marrow issues) early. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual bleeding/bruising. Contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. Diarrhea is a common dose-dependent side effect. * **Pregnancy Warning**: This drug can cause birth defects. Do not handle if you are pregnant, and do not use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing pets.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Rescue drug for feline pemphigus and for idiopathic dermatoses and plasma cell pododermatitis/stomatitis
- Immune-mediated arthropathies and dermatopathies
- Treatment of pemphigus complex (with corticosteroids)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (dose-dependent)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Leukopenia
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (particularly diarrhea, dose-dependent)
- Renal toxicity (proteinuria)
- Hepatotoxicity (increased liver enzymes)
- Dermatosis
- Corneal ulcers
Cautions & contraindications
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - may exacerbate signs
- Pregnancy (known teratogen and maternotoxic)
- > **High-Risk Therapy**: Should only be administered when other less expensive and toxic therapies are ineffective. Veterinarians and owners must be willing to accept associated risks and expenses. * **Teratogenicity**: Known teratogen and maternotoxic; do not use during pregnancy unless risks are accepted. * **Nursing**: Gold is excreted in milk and persists even after discontinuation. Switch to milk replacer if the dam is treated. * **Toxicity Monitoring**: Intensive ongoing monitoring is required due to potential for severe hematologic, renal, and hepatic toxicity.
Drug interactions
- Cytotoxic agents (including high dose corticosteroids): Safety when used with these agents has not been established; use with caution.
- Penicillamine: Increased potential for hematologic or renal toxicity; use with gold salts is not recommended.
- Antimalarial drugs: Increased potential for hematologic or renal toxicity; use with gold salts is not recommended.
Frequently asked questions
What is Auranofin used for in pets?
> **Important**: This medication requires strict adherence to dosing and monitoring schedules. * **Patience is Key**: It may take several months of consistent dosing before a positive response is seen in your pet. * **Strict Schedule**: Commitment to the twice-daily dosing schedule is essential for success. * **Monitoring**: Frequent blood and urine tests are absolutely necessary to catch potential severe side effects (like kidney, liver, or bone marrow issues) early. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual bleeding/bruising. Contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. Diarrhea is a common dose-dependent side effect. * **Pregnancy Warning**: This drug can cause birth defects. Do not handle if you are pregnant, and do not use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing pets.
Is Auranofin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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