What is D-penamine?
D-penamine, also known as a chelating agent (pronounced "KEE-late"), is an agent that binds excess copper in the bloodstream and removes it. Excess copper in the blood can cause tissue damage. D-penamine can be used to remove excess copper in people who have Wilson disease. D-penamine can also be used to lower urine levels of an amino acid called cystine. This amino acid is known to cause kidney and bladder stones in people who have an inherited condition called cystinuria. D-Penamine can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when other medications have failed. This medicine has not been approved for the treatment of juvenile arthritis. D-penamine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side Effects of D-Penamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
D-Penamine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Joint pain that is new or has worsened
- You may experience muscle weakness in the arms and legs.
- Double vision, difficulty chewing or swallowing, muscle weakness on your face
- New or worsening cough; fever; trouble breathing
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips, red or swollen gingivae, difficulty swallowing
- Skin rash, blisters, or peeling
- Lower back pain, burning, or pain when you urinate;
- You may experience swelling in your legs, hands, and feet.
- Low blood cell counts can cause fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as skin sores. Other symptoms include pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded.
D-Penamine can cause a variety of side effects.
- Reduced sense of taste
- Skin changes like wrinkles or pimples
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Feeling of tingling or numbness;
- Ringing in the ears
- A wound that does not heal.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects. For assistance from the FDA regarding adverse events or to report side effects directly. Reach them by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Simponi, Olumiant, hydroxychloroquine, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, and Rituxan
Warnings
D-Penamine should not be used if breastfeeding, if this medication has caused an infection, damaged blood cells, or kidney disease, or if this medicine is needed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Everyone who takes D-Penamine must be closely monitored by a physician.
Before you take this drug
D-Penamine should not be used if you have an allergy to it or:
- You are breastfeeding.
- You have kidney disease (if you are using D-Penamine for rheumatoid arthritis);
- You have an infection or damaged red blood cells as a result of taking D-Penamine previously.
D-Penamine can interact with some medicines that may cause harmful or unwanted effects. If you use:
- Gold injections
- Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
- Cancer medicine is a type of treatment.
Tell your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Penicillin allergy
- A stomach ulcer
- A weak immune system
- If you are malnourished.
If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about D-Penamine. Do not start or stop D-Penamine treatment without consulting your doctor. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
- D-Penamine can harm an unborn child. It should not be taken to treat cystinuria, rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis while pregnant.
- D-Penamine can be taken during pregnancy to avoid a relapse. This condition can have harmful or even fatal effects on the pregnant mother if it is not treated. Preventing a relapse may be more beneficial to the baby than any risk.
This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take D-penamine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take your medication according to its directions exactly. D-Penamine should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Take plenty of fluids when taking D-Penamine. You should not consume milk for 1 hour prior to or 1 hour following the D-Penamine. You'll need to have frequent urine tests. You may feel worse when you start taking this medication. You should not alter your medication schedule or doses without consulting your doctor. Everyone who takes D-Penamine must be under the supervision of a physician. Your rheumatoid symptoms may not improve for up to three months. Continue to take the prescribed medication and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms. It is possible that you will need to adhere to a special diet when using D-Penamine.Please follow the directions from your doctor or dietitian.Learn which foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your condition. Do not take D-Penamine again until you have spoken to your doctor. You may be told by your doctor to take a multivitamin, extra iron, or vitamin B6 when you take D-Penamine. Only take the supplements your doctor prescribes. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Keep the bottle tightly shut when not being used.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed one altogether and do not double up on any medicine at the same time. Doing so could result in overdose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
D-Penamine should not be taken with other medications. Take iron supplements at least two hours before or after taking this medicine. This medicine can be less absorbable if you take iron. Do not take mineral supplements unless you are told to by your doctor. Avoid eating copper-fortified foods such as nuts, chocolates, molasses, and shellfish. Avoid taking copper-containing mineral supplements. You may have to drink demineralized or distilled water if your water contains more than 0.1mg of copper per liter.
Interaction with other drug
D-Penamine can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.Inform your physician of all medications taken.
