Discovering the Power of Gold Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Today

Gold therapy once stood as the premier treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), offering relief when few other options existed. While modern medications have largely replaced it, gold therapy remains a valuable alternative for certain patients seeking relief from severe RA symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Gold therapy targets this inflammation to improve joint function.

This treatment involves using gold salts, administered either by injection or oral tablets, to reduce immune system activity and inflammation. Though less common now, understanding gold therapy’s benefits and risks is essential for those exploring treatment options.

Understanding Gold Therapy

Gold therapy, also called chrysotherapy or aurotherapy, utilizes gold compounds that were first recognized for their benefits in 1929 by Dr. Jacques Forestier. He observed that gold salts could alleviate joint pain and even induce remission in some RA patients.

Besides rheumatoid arthritis, gold therapy has been applied to conditions like psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Its usage declined with the rise of safer, more effective drugs like methotrexate in the 1990s.

How Gold Therapy Works

Gold salts possess anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit immune cells from releasing harmful chemicals such as histamines. This action reduces inflammation and tissue damage in joints affected by RA.

Despite decades of use, the exact mechanisms behind gold therapy’s effectiveness remain partially understood, highlighting ongoing research needs.

Administration and Dosage

Currently, auranofin (Ridaura) is the oral gold therapy available by prescription, typically starting with two 3 mg tablets daily for 2 to 3 months, with possible dosage adjustments. Tablets should be taken with food to minimize side effects.

Injectable forms like aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose were discontinued in 2019 due to ingredient shortages.

Potential Side Effects of Gold Therapy

While many side effects are mild and may resolve over time, some can be serious or long-lasting. Common side effects include:

• Skin rashes
• Mouth ulcers
• Conjunctivitis
• Metallic taste
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Fever and headaches
• Dizziness or fainting

Rare but severe side effects can affect organs such as the kidneys, liver, bone marrow, respiratory system, and nervous system, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.

Irreversible effects may include bluish or gray skin discoloration and a golden ring around the eye’s cornea.

Who Should Avoid Gold Therapy?

Gold therapy is contraindicated for individuals with:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Hypersensitivity to gold
• Progressive kidney disease
• Severe liver disorders

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid gold therapy, and those planning pregnancy should wait six months after stopping treatment to allow gold clearance from the body.

Effectiveness and Outlook

Studies indicate gold therapy benefits approximately 70–75% of RA patients, with symptom improvement typically seen within 3 to 4 months. Lack of improvement after 6 months should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider.

Discontinuing treatment leads to gradual loss of therapeutic effects.

Cost Considerations

Injectable gold therapy is no longer manufactured, and oral gold therapy costs vary depending on insurance coverage and pharmacy pricing. Patients should contact their insurance providers for detailed cost information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional RA Therapies

Besides gold therapy, treatments include DMARDs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine, as well as biologics like adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, pain medications, and steroids.

Gold Jewelry Allergy and Gold Therapy

Being allergic to gold jewelry does not automatically mean you will react to gold therapy. Jewelry allergies often stem from metals mixed with gold. Discuss allergy testing with your healthcare provider.

Preparing for Gold Therapy

No special preparation is required before starting gold therapy, but discussing potential risks and benefits with your doctor is important. Initial treatment focuses on gradually increasing dosage to build tolerance, then adjusting frequency based on symptom response.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing RA

Research supports that a Mediterranean diet low in fat and sodium, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and quitting smoking can improve RA symptoms and overall quality of life.

Summary

Gold therapy remains a historically significant and sometimes effective option for rheumatoid arthritis, especially when other treatments fall short. While newer drugs offer safer profiles, gold therapy’s unique benefits warrant consideration under medical guidance.

Consult your rheumatologist to weigh the advantages and risks of gold therapy and determine if it fits your individualized treatment plan.

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