Penicillamine

What is Penicillamine?

Penicillamine is a chemical chelator (KEE-late-ing) substance that bonds excess copper and eliminates it from the bloodstream. Under certain conditions, excessive copper may accumulate inside the bloodstream and lead to tissue damage throughout the body.Penicillamine is a method of removing excess copper in those suffering from an inheritable condition called Wilson's disease.

Penicillamine can also be used to lower urine levels of the amino acid cystine. It can lead to the formation of stones in the bladder and kidneys for those suffering from an inheritable condition known as cystinuria.

Penicillamine is also used to combat severe rheumatoid arthritis after other medications have not worked. Penicillamine isn't prescribed for treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.Penicillamine can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Side effects of Penicillamine

Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, rash, swelling of the glands, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Penicillamine can cause severe adverse effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of:

• New or getting worse joint discomfort;
• Muscle weakness in your legs and arms;
• Facial muscles are weak, as are eyelids. It can cause difficulty swallowing or chewing.
• New or worsening new or worsening cough, fever, or trouble breathing
• The appearance of ulcers or blisters in your mouth, swollen or red gums, difficulty swallowing
• The skin, peeling, or watery blisters
• Discomfort or burning after you pee the bloody or foamy way; pain or burning when you urinate; bloody or foamy urine back discomfort;
• Swelling in your hands, legs, and feet;
• Low blood cells—fever, chills, fatigue, skin sores, simple bleeding, unusual bruises, mild skin tone, cool feet and hands, feeling lightheaded or breathless

Common side effects of penicillamine include:

• Reduced sense of taste
• Skin issues like wrinkles as well as pimples;
• Stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
• Sensation of tingling or numbness;
• Ringing in your ears
• A wound that won't heal.

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar or related drugs

Simponi, Olumiant, chloroquine hydroxychloroquine, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, and Rituxan

Warnings

It is not recommended to use penicillamine in the case of breastfeeding, if you've ever suffered any illness and damaged blood vessels as a result of penicillamine, or if you suffer from kidney disease and require penicillamine to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Anyone taking penicillamine must be under the supervision of a medical professional.

Before you take this drug

Penicillamine should not be used in the event that you have an allergy to it or suffer from:

• You breastfeed;
• You have kidney disease. (If you are using penicillamine for rheumatoid arthritis) You have kidney disease.
• You have developed inflammation or damaged blood cells following the use of penicillamine in the past.

Certain medicines may cause undesirable or harmful effects when taken together with penicillamine. Your doctor might alter the treatment plan in the event that you use any of the following:

• Gold injections;
• Medication that treats or prevents malaria. Treatment or prevention of malaria
• Chemotherapy medicine.

Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• An allergy to penicillin
• An stomach ulcer;
• An insufficient immune system
• If you are malnourished.

Follow the instructions of your doctor on taking penicillamine when you are expecting. Don't begin stopping your penicillamine unless you have the advice of your physician, and inform your doctor as soon as you find yourself pregnant.

• Penicillamine could harm the unborn baby. It is not recommended to treat rheumatoid or cystinuria arthritis during pregnancy.
• Penicillamine is a medication that can be administered during pregnancy to stop the recurrence of Wilson's disease. Inadequate treatment of this condition during pregnancy could cause harm or even fatal consequences for the mother. The benefits of avoiding a return of Wilson's disease could outweigh any dangers to the baby.

Do not breastfeed during the course of this medication.

How to take Penicillamine?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor might alter the dosage. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed.Take penicillamine with an empty stomach at least one hour prior to or two hours after eating.Drink plenty of fluids when you are taking penicillamine.

Do not drink milk for at least 1 hour prior to or 1 hour after taking penicillamine.You'll need to take periodic urine tests.Your condition could become worse for a short period of time when you first begin taking this medication. Don't alter your dosages or your medication schedule without your physician's guidance. Penicillamine users must be under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

It could take up to 3 months before the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis get better. Continue to take the medication according to the directions, and inform your physician if your symptoms don't improve.It is possible that you will need to adhere to specific diets while taking penicillamine. Follow the directions from your doctor or dietitian. Know about the foods to be aware of or avoid to manage your illness.

If you stop taking penicillamine for reasons other than your own, don't take it back until you have spoken with your physician.Your doctor might ask you to take the multivitamin or supplement your iron intake with Vitamin B6 when you take penicillamine. Only take the supplements your doctor has recommended.Keep at room temperature and free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.

What happens If I miss a dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid your missed dose if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not take other medications in the same way as you are taking penicillamine. If you are taking iron supplements, make sure you take them at least two hours prior to or two hours after taking penicillamine. Iron makes it difficult for the body to absorb penicillamine.

Avoid taking mineral supplements unless your physician tells you to.

If you have Wilson's disease, avoid eating chocolate, nuts, and molasses. Also, avoid liver and kidneys, shellfish, mushrooms, and broccoli, as well as cereals that are fortified with copper. Avoid taking supplements for minerals that contain copper. If your water source contains over 0.1 mg of copper per liter of water, then you might need to drink water that has been demineralized or distilled.

Interaction with other drugs

Other medications can interfere with penicillamine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.