Gold Treatment.
Last updated Thursday, December 30, 2004
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Treatment program
How does gold treatment work?
It is not known exactly how gold compounds help
rheumatoid arthritis.
It appears that gold affects the process that causes the joint pain and
swelling. Until the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is discovered, the
way in which gold seems to slow down the disease process probably will
remain a mystery.
How long does it take to work?
Gold works slowly and gradually. Most people begin to notice a difference within two to six months after they start taking it.
How long with the effects of gold treatment last?
Your gold treatment may become less effective after several years.
There is no way to predict how long gold will continue to benefit you.
But you should continue to take it as long as your arthritis improves
and you don't have any serious side effects. If you stop taking the
medicine while it still benefits you, your arthritis may become active
again within several months.How is gold treatment administered to a person with arthritis?
Gold can either be injected into a muscle in the buttock or arm, or
be taken in capsule form by mouth (oral gold). You and your doctor can
decide which form is best for you. In general, oral gold may cause
fewer side effects, but may not be as effective as injectable gold.
Injections
When injected, gold is given as gold sodium thiomalate (brand name:
Myochrysine) or as aurothioglucose (brand name: Solganal). Injections
must be given by your doctor or nurse. First, you'll be given a small
dose, to make sure you do not have a severe reaction to the medicine.
Then, you'll gradually be given larger doses until the full dose is
reached. The full dose is given every week for four to five months. The
dose is then adjusted, depending on how your arthritis improves and
whether you have any side effects. When things are going well, the
periods between injections will be increased, usually up to four weeks.
Since everyone reacts differently to gold, some people will require
more frequent injections than other people.
You may notice that your arthritis seems worse for a day or two
after a gold injection. This does not always mean you must stop taking
injections, but you should report these symptoms to your doctor.
Capsule form
In capsule form, gold is given as auranofin (brand name: Ridaura).
It is usually given as two capsules every day. Some doctors prefer to
start treatment with a single capsule for the first several weeks. You
may be given slightly higher or lower doses from time to time,
depending on the side effects and how well your arthritis responds.
Never change the dose on your own. Talk with your doctor if you have
questions.
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