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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

GOLD SODIUM THIOMALATE - INJECTION

(gold So-dee-um thigh-oh-MAL-ate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aurolate

WARNING: This medication can cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects, including blood cell problems (e.g., anemia, low white blood cells/platelets), kidney problems, rash, itching, or mouth sores/irritation (stomatitis). 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 be closely monitoring certain lab tests (e.g., white blood cells, platelets) before you start therapy and before each injection. It is important that you 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 (e.g., rest, physical therapy). It is used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to or cannot take other medications.

Gold sodium thiomalate is not a true pain reliever, but it is thought to decrease pain that occurs with arthritis by decreasing inflammation. It is known as 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. You will need to lie down during your injection and for 10 minutes afterward to lower the risk of side effects such as dizziness. You will be monitored for 15 minutes after your injection. When you begin therapy, injections are usually given once a week or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Injections are usually given once a week until improvement occurs or you have received a total of 1 gram. Once improvement occurs, your doctor may decrease your injections to once every 2-3 weeks or less. If your arthritis worsens, your doctor may order weekly injections again.

Use this medication regularly in order 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 the penicillamine before starting gold injections. Ask your doctor for more details.

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.