Oral gold therapy (Auranofin) in pemphigus vulgaris

Auranofin (AF), an oral gold salt, was given for 9-18 months to 3 patients with pemphigus vulgaris. There was a slight improvement with significant oral pain relief in 2, and a complete remission in 1. Two patients including the one with the remission, subsequently flared up under AF therapy. Although AF is said to be better tolerated than parenteral gold this limited series suggests that it does not seem to have a superior therapeutic effect in PV.