[Experiences to date with oral gold therapy]

Auranofin is the first oral gold therapy known to be effective at relatively low toxicities. Extensive clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis have recently been complemented by first experiences in juvenile chronic polyarthritis. For the time being, the drug should, therefore, be confined to these conditions. It is not indicated in ankylosing spondylitis and in other seronegative arthropathies. Indications mainly include failure of antimalarials, early erosive arthropathies and contraindication of injection therapy. The drug may also be used as an alternative to intramuscular gold, but should not be administered to responders to other chronic antirheumatics and in late or end-stage disease.