What is Syprine?
Syprine (pronounced "KEE-late") is a chelating agent. Chelating agents remove heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, or copper) from blood.
Wilson’s disease causes an excess of copper in the body. Syprine can be used to treat this condition in those who are unable to take penicillamine. Syprine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Syprine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, lip, face, tongue or throat swelling and/or difficulty swallowing
Syprine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fever or skin rash;
- Having difficulty with walking, speaking, lifting, chewing, or swallowing.
- Muscle pain or stiffness;
- Double vision, muscle weakness, or drooping of the eyelids
- Symptoms of lupus are: joint pain and swelling; headaches; confusion; chest pain; shortness of breath; skin sores or numbness or a cold feeling; or pale appearance of fingers or toes.
Side effects of Syprine include:
- Stomach pain, heartburn;
- Black, tarry stools
- General ill feeling;
- Mouth sores;
- Skin flaking, skin cracking, or skin thickening
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to syprine, then this medication is not for you.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Syprine will be safe for you:
- Anemia
- A liver disease called biliary cirrhosis
FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether syprine can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. It is unknown if trientine can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. If you are breastfeeding a child, be sure to inform your physician.
How to take Syprine?
Do not exceed the dosage or duration recommended on your prescription. Take Syprine only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for a longer period of time. Syprine should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. After taking Syprine, do not drink milk or eat any food.
Syprine capsules should not be opened, chewed, broken, or cracked. It is best to swallow it whole. A broken pill's medicine can irritate your skin if it touches your skin. Wash your skin immediately with water if this happens. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor how to safely dispose of and handle a broken capsule.
You may be prescribed extra iron by your doctor if you are taking Syprine. Only take the prescribed amount of iron. If you experience a fever or have a skin rash after taking Syprine, call your doctor. You may be required to check your temperature each night during the first month. You may require frequent urine and blood tests while using Syprine. You should continue to be under the supervision of your doctor throughout treatment. Do not freeze. Store it in the fridge. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember to take it, take your missed dose immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching quickly, skip it - do not take additional medication in an attempt to make up for missed ones.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Before taking any vitamins or mineral supplements, consult with your physician first. Only use the types that your doctor has prescribed. Certain minerals can interfere with the absorption of syprine.
Interaction with other drug
Trientine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
