Cuprimine (Penicillamine)

Additional information

Cuprimine (Penicillamine) is typically given once daily. Doses >500 mg should be administered in divided doses. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Administer on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) and at least 1 hour apart from other drugs, milk, antacids (medicines that counteract the acid in your stomach to relieve indigestion and heartburn), iron-containing products, and zinc-containing products. For patients who have difficulty swallowing, the contents of the capsules may be administered in 15 to 30 mL of chilled puréed fruit or fruit juice within 5 minutes of preparation. Allow at least 1 hour between administration of iron supplementation and penicillamine as iron may decrease drug absorption. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often than prescribed. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. 
 
WARNING: Rash may occur early (more commonly) or late in therapy. Patients should be warned to report promptly any symptoms suggesting toxicity (fever, sore throat, chills, bruising, or bleeding). Discontinue the use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints), Wilson's disease, or cystinuria (buildup of the amino acid cystine, a building block of most proteins, in the kidneys and bladder) who develop a marked febrile response. Use with caution in the elderly, may be more susceptible to skin rash and/or taste alterations.
 
In addition to its desired action, Cuprimine (Penicillamine) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause diarrhea, altered taste (dysgeusia), skin rash, or itching. 
It may cause proteinuria (presence of proteins in the urine), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or leukopenia (low leukocyte count (a type of white blood cell). 
It may cause anxiety, agitation, or dystonia (slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures). 
It may cause nausea, ulcer (sores) in the mouth, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or vomiting.
 
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to penicillamine or any component of the formulation. Do not use in case of kidney insufficiency (in patients with rheumatoid arthritis). Patients with previous penicillamine-related aplastic anemia (when your body stops producing enough new blood cells) or agranulocytosis (when the body doesn't make enough of a type of white blood cells called neutrophils) should not use Cuprimine (Penicillamine). Breastfeeding and pregnant patients should not use Cuprimine (Penicillamine).
 
Taking Cuprimine (Penicillamine) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.
 
A treatment with Cuprimine (Penicillamine) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Cuprimine (Penicillamine)