Gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis can cause which of the following side effects?

Gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis can cause which of the following side effects?

• A. Abnormal blood counts.
• B. Nausea and vomiting.
• C. Weight gain.
• D. Hair growth.

Answer: (A)

Hematologic toxicity is a key adverse effect of gold therapy used in rheumatoid arthritis. Gold compounds can suppress bone marrow, leading to abnormal blood counts such as anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. This marrow suppression is a clinically important effect and is often monitored with routine complete blood counts during treatment. While gastrointestinal upset can occur with some therapies, and other side effects like skin or kidney issues may arise, none are as characteristic or as clinically significant for gold therapy as the hematologic toxicity. The other options—nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and hair growth—are not typical or defining adverse effects of gold compounds.

Hematologic toxicity is a key adverse effect of gold therapy used in rheumatoid arthritis. Gold compounds can suppress bone marrow, leading to abnormal blood counts such as anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. This marrow suppression is a clinically important effect and is often monitored with routine complete blood counts during treatment. While gastrointestinal upset can occur with some therapies, and other side effects like skin or kidney issues may arise, none are as characteristic or as clinically significant for gold therapy as the hematologic toxicity. The other options—nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and hair growth—are not typical or defining adverse effects of gold compounds.