Which symptom indicates possible toxicity from auranofin?

Which symptom indicates possible toxicity from auranofin?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Rash
• C. Metallic taste in mouth
• D. Nausea

Answer: (C)

Adverse effects from gold compounds like auranofin include mucocutaneous reactions, stomatitis, gastrointestinal upset, and taste disturbances. The metallic taste in the mouth is a relatively distinctive sign of toxicity with gold therapy, because it stems from how the drug affects oral tissues and taste receptors and is commonly reported by patients early in treatment. Drowsiness is nonspecific and not typical of auranofin toxicity. Rash can occur but isn’t as specifically linked, and nausea is a common side effect with many medications and doesn’t point to gold-specific toxicity. So, the metallic taste in the mouth best indicates possible toxicity from auranofin, and it should prompt assessment for other signs and appropriate monitoring.

Adverse effects from gold compounds like auranofin include mucocutaneous reactions, stomatitis, gastrointestinal upset, and taste disturbances. The metallic taste in the mouth is a relatively distinctive sign of toxicity with gold therapy, because it stems from how the drug affects oral tissues and taste receptors and is commonly reported by patients early in treatment. Drowsiness is nonspecific and not typical of auranofin toxicity. Rash can occur but isn’t as specifically linked, and nausea is a common side effect with many medications and doesn’t point to gold-specific toxicity. So, the metallic taste in the mouth best indicates possible toxicity from auranofin, and it should prompt assessment for other signs and appropriate monitoring.