What is the most important information I should know about penicillamine?
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop
fever; chills; a
sore throat; unusual bruising
or bleeding; blood in your urine, unexplained
shortness of breath,
coughing, or
wheezing;
muscle
weakness; or
double vision. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
What is penicillamine?
Penicillamine is a chelating agent. It attaches to other chemicals in the body, which aids in their
removal.
Penicillamine is used to remove excess copper associated with Wilson's disease. It is also used
to reduce cystine in the urine and to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Penicillamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking penicillamine?
You cannot take penicillamine if you have taken it in the past and it has damaged your
blood cells.
Before taking penicillamine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or any other serious
illness. You may not be able to take penicillamine, or you may require a lower dose or special
monitoring during therapy.
Penicillamine may cause
birth defects in an unborn baby. However, it has also been used
during
pregnancy with no evidence of defects. Penicillamine should not be used during pregnancy
except to treat Wilson's disease and some cases of cystine in the urine. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether penicillamine passes into breast milk. Since penicillamine may harm
a nursing infant,
breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with this medication.
How should I take penicillamine?
Take penicillamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of
water.
Penicillamine must be taken on an empty
stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a
full meal, and at least 1 hour before or after any other drug, food, or milk. Taking penicillamine with
anything else in the stomach greatly decreases its effectiveness.
Do not stop taking penicillamine without first talking to your doctor. Stopping therapy may
cause your body to react abnormally when therapy is restarted. If you do stop taking the medication,
do not restart without first talking to your doctor. You may need special monitoring.
Your doctor may want you to take a vitamin and mineral supplement during treatment with
penicillamine. Penicillamine may reduce vitamin B6 and iron in the body. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Store penicillamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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