Cuprimine (Penicillamine)

Do’s

• Take Cuprimine by mouth at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to maximize absorption.
• Take Cuprimine at least 1 hour apart from other medications (especially antacids), milk, or food, as they can affect absorption.
• Use Cuprimine regularly at the same time(s) each day for optimal benefit.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding supplements: Take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and iron as directed by your healthcare provider, if prescribed.
• If taking iron or other mineral supplements, take them at least 2 hours before or after Cuprimine. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any mineral supplements to avoid hindering Cuprimine's absorption.
• Be patient for improvement:
• • Rheumatoid arthritis: Improvement may take 2-3 months.
  • Wilson's disease: It may take 1-3 months to see improvement, and your condition might initially worsen. Inform your healthcare provider if this worsening persists after a month.
  • Cystinuria: Follow your healthcare provider's dietary recommendations and drink plenty of fluids (unless advised otherwise) for optimal results.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't take with food (generally): Avoid taking Cuprimine with meals as it reduces absorption.
• Don't take antacids, milk, or other medications without consulting your healthcare provider. These can interfere with Cuprimine's absorption.
• Don't take mineral supplements without consulting your healthcare provider, and follow their guidance on separation from Cuprimine.
• Don't expect immediate improvement (Wilson's disease). Be patient, as Cuprimine might initially worsen your condition before improvement sets in. Inform your healthcare provider if worsening persists.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Serious lung problems
• Blood problems
• Nervous system symptoms such as eye or ear symptoms or muscle weakness
• Diseases of the skin and mucous membranes
• Allergic reactions (including a condition known as drug fever as well as skin rashes)
• Mouth ulcers
• Loss of taste
• Thinning/wrinkling skin
• Signs of infection (such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes)
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Coughing up blood
• Unusual tiredness
• Rapid breathing
• Skin blisters
• New or worsening joint pain
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody urine)
• Eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision)
• Signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin)

Serious Side Effects:

• Blood in urine
• Unexplained cough or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness
• Drooping eyelids
• Double vision
• Watery blisters on the skin or other rash
• Fever
• Chills
• Bruising
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers
• Diminished taste

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cuprimine,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have, including allergies to penicillamine, penicillins, or any of the medication's ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, especially:

• A history of severe reaction to penicillamine (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis)
• Kidney disease
• Blood or bone marrow disorders (like thrombocytopenia)

Inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take, including Cuprimine, before any surgery.

Cuprimine can harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Cuprimine with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is unknown if Cuprimine passes into breast milk and could harm a breastfeeding infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Cuprimine. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.