gold for arthritis - can't find in CPS

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 11, 2007

is gold still used to treat arthritis?
it's on the internet (auranofin, myocrysin), but it isn't in the e-CPS and it isn't in drugdigest.com
I remember it being given IM, internet sources mention PO

In the UK it still is used

nurseangel47 · Feb 11, 2007

Not used in US anymore due to heavy metal accumulation in organs.

I can remember my grandmother having rheumatoid arthritis since her fourth decade and she received IM injections of gold. Can't say they did very much good, though. Also, the copper bracelets some folks wear DO NOT work! LOL! I have osteoarthritis so can understand the desperation sufferers must endure and go for anything that might work. Osteo a. is bad enough. I take motrin, vicodin and still hurt a lot! If it were rheumatoid, I'd be on my knees begging for a quick fix!

GingerSue · Feb 11, 2007

that would also be my question - the effectiveness?

(is it worth trying - considering the dangers?)

for the purpose of delaying progression

(maybe it isn't even available here in Canada? but someone with a lot of deformities asked about it)

PurrRN · Feb 11, 2007

Interesting side note. While it may not be used in the U.S. anymore, it's still taught as a viable theraputic process in my nusing school. We learned about it in pharm last semester (1st semester NS). My thoughts about it at the time was who would want to wait 3-4 months for a theraputic level to be gained? Anyways, just thought it was interesting that it's not used here anymore. I love this site :) , I learn something new every day. Have a nice day everyone!

SharonH, RN · Feb 12, 2007

that would also be my question - the effectiveness?
(is it worth trying - considering the dangers?)
for the purpose of delaying progression
(maybe it isn't even available here in Canada? but someone with a lot of deformities asked about it)

The standard for the treatment of early arthritis is to begin with DMARDS like Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine or Plaquenil and possibly corticosteroids. If the patient fails initial therapy they can change DMARDS or try combination therapy. The use of antiTNFs like Humira and Enbrel may also be prescribed with traditional DMARDS like Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine. Believe it or not PO and IM Gold is still referenced in literature although research shows that while it is just as effective as Methotrexate it is not tolerated as well and it was less effective in preventing progression than Sulfasalazine.