Gold Sodium Thiomalate (gold SOE-dee-um thye-oh-MAL-ate)

Treats rheumatoid arthritis.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using penicillamine, Cuprimine®, or Depen®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, or any type of blood disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have high blood pressure or if you had a stroke.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or bad allergies to medicines.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody urine.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dizziness, sweating, fainting, or headache.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
• Itchy, peeling, or flaky skin.
• Loss of hair or fingernails.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea.
• Slow heart beat.
• Trouble breathing or chest pain.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Irritation of your eye or blurred vision.
• Joint pain.
• Mild stomach pain or loss of appetite.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088