Gold injections
What are gold injections?
Gold injections, also known by the brand name Myocrisin, are made from a compound called sodium aurothiomalate, which contains gold. They belong to a group of drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Rather than simply treating your symptoms, these drugs dampen down the activity of your immune system and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
Gold injections are no longer being made. If you’re on gold injections and are worried about how this may affect you, ask your rheumatologist for advice. They’ll be able to talk you through alternative treatments.
You can also call our helpline on 0800 5200 520 for more information.
DMARDs: Your questions answered
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can treat the underlying cause of your condition and reduce inflammation. They're given to people with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus. These are conditions where the immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. DMARDs can improve symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling. Find out how.
Arthritis treatments
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Drugs
Learn about arthritis drugs, what they're prescribed for, how to take them, who should take them, risks and side-effects.
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Therapies
Learn more about how hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy can help relieve arthritis symptoms and pain.
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Surgery
Learn more about the surgery options for people with arthritis, how it can help and what the recovery process involves.
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Complementary and alternative treatments
Learn about complementary and alternative treatments for arthritis, how they might help, safety and possible risks.