WHAT IS PENICILLAMINE?
Penicillamine is a chelating agent (KEE-late-ing) that binds to excess copper in the bloodstream and eliminates it. Excess copper in the bloodstream can accumulate in some circumstances, causing tissue damage throughout the body. Penicillamine is used to eliminate extra copper in persons who have Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder.
Penicillamine is a prescription drug that is available as an oral tablet and oral capsule. It is used to decrease pain, swelling, and tenderness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to remove unwanted substances from the body. The brand names for this drug are Cuprimine and Depen. A generic version is not available.It can cause severe kidney damage, and it can affect the body’s blood-clotting function, increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also increase the risk of developing an infection.It should only be prescribed by doctors who are trained to use it.
USES
Penicillamine is used to treat joint disease, but exactly how it does this is unclear.It treats kidney and bladder stones, known as cystinuria, by removing a protein called cystine from the body.Penicillamine is used to treat Wilson’s disease (an inherited illness that creates a buildup of copper in the body, which can cause significant symptoms) and cystinuria (an inherited condition which can lead to kidney stones).It also removes arsenic from the body in cases of arsenic poisoning.Penicillamine is a chelating agent. That means it binds to certain compounds, which helps your body to remove them.
WARNINGS
If you are breastfeeding, if you have ever had an infection or blood cell damage caused by penicillamine, or if you have kidney disease and need penicillamine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, you should not use it. Every person using penicillamine should be monitored closely by a physician.
BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE
If you are allergic to penicillamine, or if you are breastfeeding, have kidney problems (if using penicillamine to treat rheumatoid arthritis), or have previously suffered an infection or damaged blood cells after taking penicillamine, you should not take it.
When penicillamine is used with other medications, it might have unfavorable or hazardous side effects. If you also take gold injections, malaria medicine, or cancer medicine, your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan.
If you’ve ever had renal illness, liver disease, a penicillin allergy, a stomach ulcer, a weakened immune system, or are underweight, tell your doctor.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE PENICILLAMINE?
Read all drug guidelines or instruction sheets and follow the advice on your prescription label. Follow the instructions on the prescription carefully. On an empty stomach, take penicillamine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.While taking penicillamine, make sure to stay hydrated.Milk should not be consumed within 1 hour of taking penicillamine or afterward.
Urine tests will be needed often.
PENICILLAMINE SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience hives, a rash, swollen glands, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck, get emergency medical attention.
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right once.
- joint pain that is fresh or worsening;
- a lack of muscle mass in your arms and legs;
- Face muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty eating or swallowing;
- Cough that is new or worsening, fever, or difficulty breathing;
- oral ulcers or blisters, red or swollen gums, difficulty swallowing;
- a rash, peeling, or watery blisters on the skin;
- Lower back pain, pain or burning when urinating, frothy or bloody urine;
- Fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or low blood cell counts—fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath
- Reduced sense of taste; skin changes such as wrinkles or acne; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite; numbness or tingling feeling; ringing in your ears; or a wound that will not heal are all common side effects.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking penicillamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Do not store above 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed.
USA Script Helpers offers best priced* guaranteed. Although USA Script Helpers is not covered by Medicare, USA Script Helpers offers medical expense reports that you may submit to your local insurance companies. Should you be reimbursed that is separate from us. USA Script Helpers also offers best priced* guaranteed for all medications for more information simply give us a call at 1 (888) 646-7749.
