Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PENICILLAMINE - ORAL

(pen-ih-SILL-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cuprimine, Depen

Uses

Penicillamine is used to treat arthritis, Wilson's disease, or to prevent kidney stone formation.

OTHER

Uses

This medication may also be used for lead poisoning, certain liver conditions, and certain skin conditions.

How To Use

Take this medication on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Avoid taking any other medication, food or milk within at least one hour of taking this. Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of water during therapy with this medication. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Cough, breathing trouble, mouth sores, hair loss, altered tastes, hot flashes and ringing in the ears may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, skin rash, fever, sore throat, chills. This medication may cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to monitor for these effects and to ensure the drug is working properly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as: kidney disease, blood disorders, allergies. Penicillamine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially: antacids, anticancer medication, digoxin, gold therapy, iron, medication for malaria, phenylbutazone. Avoid taking any medication within one hour of taking this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication may increase your need for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and iron. Ask your doctor if a vitamin supplement is necessary while taking this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.