gold sodium thiomalate Health Article

Generic name(s):

gold sodium thiomalate

Brand name(s):

Aurolate, Myochrysine

What is the most important information I should know about gold sodium thiomalate?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience itching, a rash, a sore mouth, indigestion, a metallic taste in the mouth, severe or bloody diarrhea, easy bruising, or a nosebleed. These could be early signs of a toxic effect.

In rare cases, exposure to sunlight may cause areas of the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. To lessen this effect, minimize exposure to sunlight and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What is gold sodium thiomalate?

Gold sodium thiomalate is a form of gold. Gold suppresses the inflammatory process.

Gold sodium thiomalate is used as an injection to treat adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold sodium thiomalate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gold sodium thiomalate?

Before taking gold sodium thiomalate, tell your doctor if you

• have ever had any type of reaction to a gold compound or to any other medication;

• have a history of bone marrow depression or blood problems;

• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

• have congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or any other type of heart disease;

• have diabetes;

• have inflammatory bowel disease;

• have a rash; or

• have severe lung disease.

You may not be able to take gold sodium thiomalate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Gold sodium thiomalate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether gold sodium thiomalate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Gold sodium thiomalate does cross the placenta, and may accumulate in the tissue of a baby. Do not take gold sodium thiomalate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Gold sodium thiomalate passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Gold sodium thiomalate is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take gold sodium thiomalate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take gold sodium thiomalate?

Gold sodium thiomalate is given by injection. Your doctor or nurse will administer your doses, usually on a weekly basis to begin with, then every other week to monthly, depending upon your response to the medication.

You may want to lie down after injections, and your doctor will want to monitor you for side effects for 10 to 15 minutes following each shot.

Gold sodium thiomalate can cause serious side effects involving white and red blood cells. Your doctor will want to test your blood and urine before each injection to monitor any changes before they become dangerous.

Do not stop using gold sodium thiomalate without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 3 months for you to see any effects from this medication, and it may be 6 months or more before the full benefits are realized.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Doses are given on a weekly basis. You should receive the missed dose as soon as possible, but a double dose should not be injected to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an gold sodium thiomalate overdose include blood in the urine, painful urination, fever, sores or ulcers in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and itching. A gold sodium thiomalate overdose can result in death.