Auranofin
Auranofin is an oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) containing gold, used to treat active adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis when other medications are not suitable. It works by reducing inflammation and modifying the immune response that contributes to joint damage.
An oral gold-based DMARD used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and immune system activity.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01CB03
- RxNorm
- 1227
- Generic
- Auranofin
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Ridaura
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; discontinue therapy before planned conception
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
discontinue therapy; avoid use unless maternal benefit justifies fetal risk
regular fetal growth monitoring and ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendeddiscontinue breastfeeding
do not use during breastfeeding; gold compounds are excreted in breast milk
infant monitoring for gold exposure symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with reduced dose; consider lower maintenance dose
use with caution; monitor renal and hepatic function; increased susceptibility to adverse effects
regular renal function, liver function, and blood count monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 16not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric populations; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose; monitor closely
use with caution; dose adjustment may be required based on creatinine clearance; avoid in severe impairment
regular renal function monitoring including serum creatinine and creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution; no specific dose recommendation
monitor liver function tests; use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular liver function test monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Auranofin (Ridaura)
Drug class
Gold-containing compound for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Primary indication
FDA-approved therapeutic use
Auranofin is primarily prescribed for active adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when patients have not responded adequately to first-line therapies like NSAIDs or other DMARDs.
As a gold-containing compound, Auranofin is believed to work by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and suppressing abnormal immune system activity that leads to joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
Regular monitoring of blood counts, kidney function, and for signs of gold toxicity (such as mouth sores, skin rash, or unusual bruising) is essential during treatment. Patients should report any GI symptoms, unusual bleeding, or mouth problems to their healthcare provider promptly.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy