These are used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Gold may be administered in various forms – for example, sodium aurothiomalate. It is injected in very small doses intramuscularly and produces a reaction in the affected tissues which leads to their scarring and healing. Aurano?n is a gold preparation that can be given orally; if no response has been achieved within six months the drug should be stopped. It is less e?ective than gold given by intramuscular injection. If gold is administered in too large quantities, skin eruptions, albuminuria (see PROTEINURIA), metallic taste in the mouth, JAUNDICE, and feverishness may be produced, so that it is necessary to prolong a course of this remedy over many months in minute doses. Routine blood and urine tests are also necessary in order to detect any adverse or toxic e?ect at an early stage.
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