What is Depen?
Depen, a chelating agent (pronounced KEE-late), binds excess copper in the bloodstream and eliminates it. Excess copper in the blood can cause tissue damage. The Depen treatment is used to remove excess copper from people who have Wilson disease. Depen can also be used to lower urine levels of cystine. This amino acid is known to cause kidney and bladder stones in those with cystinuria, an inherited disorder. After other medications have failed, Depen can be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis. The medicine has not been approved for the treatment of juvenile arthritis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Depen.
Side effects of Depen
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Depen may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Joint pain that is new or has worsened
- You may experience muscle weakness, especially in the arms and legs.
- Double vision, difficulty chewing, or trouble swallowing are all signs of facial muscle weakness.
- New or worsening symptoms of cough, fever, and difficulty breathing
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips; red gums and swelling; difficulty swallowing
- Skin rash or blisters that are watery, peeling off, or irritated;
- Lower back pain, burning or pain when urinating, bloody or foamy urine
- You may experience swelling in your legs and hands.
- Low blood counts can cause fever, fatigue, sores on the skin, easy bruises, abnormal bleeding, pale or cold skin, hands and feet that are cold, lightheadedness, or feeling short of breath.
Depen can cause the following side effects:
- Reduced sense of taste
- Skin changes like wrinkles or acne
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- Feeling of numbness, tingling, or warmth;
- Ringing in the ears
- A wound that does not heal.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing symptoms. Report any adverse events directly with the FDA by dialing their hotline number of 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Hydroxychloroquine, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, Rituxan, Orencia, and Penicillamine
Warnings
Depen should not be used if you are breastfeeding, have an infection, suffer from damaged blood cells due to this medication, suffer from kidney disease, or need the medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Depen is only to be taken under close medical supervision.
Before you take this drug
Depen should not be used if the user is allergic or:
- You are breastfeeding.
- You have kidney disease if you are using Depen for rheumatoid joint pain.
- If you developed an infection or damaged your blood cells from taking Depen previously,
Depen can interact with some medicines that may cause harmful or unwanted effects. If you are also taking
- Gold injections
- Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
- Cancer medicine is a type of treatment.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease
- Liver Disease
- Penicillin allergy
- An ulcer of the stomach
- A weak immune system
- If you are malnourished.
If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about Depen. Never stop or start taking Depen before consulting your doctor. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
- Dependence can harm an unborn child. It should not be taken to treat cystinuria, rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis while pregnant.
- Depen can also help prevent recurrence during gestation.This condition can have harmful effects or even be fatal to the mother if not treated during pregnancy. Preventing a relapse may be more beneficial to your baby than any risk.
This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Depen?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Take Depen with an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Take Depen with plenty of fluids. You should not consume milk for 1 hour prior to or after taking Depen. Urine tests will be required frequently. You may feel worse after taking the medicine for a few days. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor. Dependent users should continue to be under medical supervision. Your rheumatoid symptoms may not improve for up to three months. Continue to take the prescribed medication, and inform your doctor of any symptoms that do not improve. Depen may require you to adhere to a specific diet. Please follow the instructions from your physician or dietitian. Find out what foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your disease. Do not take Depen again if you have stopped taking Depen. Consult your doctor before you start. You may be asked by your doctor to take a multivitamin, extra iron, or vitamin B6 when you take Depen. Only take the supplements your doctor prescribes. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one.Never take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison ingestion and seek immediate medical advice or treatment.
What should be avoided?
Depen should not be taken with other medications. Take iron supplements at least two hours before or after taking this medication. 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, oysters, molasses, and shellfish. Avoid taking copper-containing mineral supplements. You may have to switch to distilled water or demineralized water if your water contains copper in excess of 0.1mg per liter.
Interaction with other drug
Depen may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
