Ridaura is a form of gold that reduces some of the effects of the inflammatory process in the body.

Ridaura is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.

Ridaura is usually given only to people unable to use other RA medications, or when other treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Ridaura will not reverse any cartilage or joint damage that has already occurred in your body.

Ridaura may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Ridaura if you have ever had a severe reaction to gold therapy that affected your skin, lungs, bone marrow, blood cells, or your stomach or intestines.

Ridaura contains gold, which may be toxic and can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, mouth sores, or blood in your urine, or severe diarrhea.

Call your doctor at once if you have a severe skin rash or itching, mouth sores, severe diarrhea, pale skin, unusual tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, or if you cough up blood.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

It may take up to 6 months of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 or 4 months of treatment.

Ridaura can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests.

Your liver and kidney function may also need to be checked.

Store Ridaura at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use Ridaura if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had medical problems caused by using gold therapy, such as:

• an allergic skin reaction;

• stomach or intestinal problems;

• a breathing disorder;

• a bone marrow disorder; or

• a severe blood cell disorder.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a bone marrow disorder or weak immune system;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• inflammatory bowel disease.

It is not known whether Ridaura will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Ridaura.

Ridaura is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Ridaura could make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and you may develop a rash or itching. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ridaura may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), purple or red spots under your skin;

• unusual tiredness, feeling short of breath;

• severe skin rash or itching;

• sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;

• severe or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

• kidney problems--puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, blood in your urine, urine that looks foamy.

Ridaura may cause more side effects on the stomach than gold injections cause. If you were switched from gold injections to this medicine capsules, tell your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects. You may need to use this medicine for a few months before your symptoms improve.

Common side effects of Ridaura may include:

• diarrhea, loose stools;

• rash, itching; or

• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• gold injections;

• hydroxychloroquine;

• penicillamine;

• phenytoin;

• high doses of steroid medication (prednisone and others); or

• drugs that weaken your immune system, such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Ridaura, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.