gold sodium thiomalate – injection
Warning: Medication Uses, How To Use, Side Effects, Precautions, Drug Interactions, Overdose, Notes, Missed Dose, StorageWARNING: This medication can cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects, including blood cell problems, kidney problems, rash, itching, or mouth sores/irritation. Low white blood cells can increase your risk of infection. See Side Effects section for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these side effects. Your doctor will monitor certain lab tests before you start therapy and before each injection. Keep all medical/lab appointments.USES: This medication is used as part of a complete treatment program to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including non-drug therapies. It is used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to or cannot take other medications. Gold sodium thiomalate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It decreases morning stiffness and pain/swelling in joints and can increase grip strength.HOW TO USE: This medicine is injected into a muscle by a healthcare professional, usually in the buttock. Lying down during your injection and for 10 minutes afterward can lower the risk of side effects such as dizziness. You will be monitored for 15 minutes after your injection. Injections are usually given once a week or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Once improvement occurs, your doctor may decrease your injections to once every 2-3 weeks or less. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Keep all medical appointments. If you are changing over from penicillamine, you will usually need to wait 1 month after stopping penicillamine before starting gold injections. Some decrease in morning stiffness is usually seen in 6-8 weeks. It may take several months of therapy before you see the full benefits of this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section. Flushing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sweating may occur soon after the injection. Increased joint pain may occur 1-2 days after your injection. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye redness/pain, fainting, hair loss, mental/mood changes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, seizure. This medication may cause mouth/lip/throat sores (stomatitis). Tell your doctor if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: difficult/painful breathing, signs of low blood count, easy bleeding/bruising, black/bloody stools, persistent cough, severe diarrhea, signs of infection, gray/blue skin color, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, change in the amount/color of urine, vaginal itching/sores, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is uncommon. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: itching/swelling, rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Skin rash is common with this medication and can be serious. Itching is often the first sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop any rash or itching. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using gold sodium thiomalate injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other gold or heavy metal compound, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of reaction to gold compound, SLE. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood circulation problems, blood disorders, colitis/inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, eczema, heart problems, certain lung problem, very high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, recent radiation therapy. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with penicillamine. If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting gold injections. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors, drugs that suppress the immune system, anti-malarial drugs, phenylbutazone, phenytoin. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor’s office to reschedule. STORAGE: Not applicable. This medication is given in a doctor’s office and will not be stored at home. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
