Penicillamine (By Mouth)

Penicillamine (pen-i-SIL-a-meen)

Treats Wilson's disease (excess copper in the body), rheumatoid arthritis, and lead poisoning. Also prevents kidney stones.

Brand Name(s):

Cuprimine, Depen
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to penicillin or penicillamine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should not take this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
• Take on an empty stomach; one hour before eating or two hours after eating.

If a dose is missed:

• If you take one dose a day: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and only take your one dose for that day.
• If you take 2 doses (or more) a day: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose and take your medicine at the usual times.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Follow the diet that your doctor gives you. Your special diet may include taking Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), drinking large amounts of water, or not eating foods that contain large amounts of copper.
• Iron pills or any other product that has iron in it should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after your dose of penicillamine. Take all other medicines at least one before or one hour after taking penicillamine
• If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking gold compounds (such as Ridaura®) or phenylbutazone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have ever had kidney problems or a blood disorder.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking penicillamine before having any kind of surgery.
• If you get pregnant while you are being treated with this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• If you want to stop taking penicillamine, check with your doctor first.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Unexplained fever or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Bloody, cloudy, or foaming urine
• Changes in vision
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Skin rash, hives, or itching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of taste or appetite
• Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Mouth or canker sores

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.