Auranofin: experience to date.

Auranofin, an oral gold-containing medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has unique chemical, pharmacologic, and kinetic characteristics. Clinical improvement is achieved with lower blood gold levels than with parenteral gold compounds. More than 3,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 27 countries have been treated with auranofin to date. In many patients, experience with auranofin extends beyond three years, and in some it exceeds four years. Available information indicates that auranofin (3 mg twice a day) is superior to placebo therapy, with similar efficacy and greater safety than gold sodium thiomalate.