Description

• Penicillamine, disease-modifying ant rheumatic drug that treats rheumatoid arthritis and a condition in which high levels of copper in the body cause damage to the liver, brain, and other organs
• It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints and decreases the copper level that improves liver function and the mental/mood/nerve problems
• Penicillamine is an active ingredient used in popular brands like, Cuprimine
• The medicine is available in the dosage Penicillamine 250 mg
• Medicine is composed as white capsule and packed as 10 capsules per blister
• Effectiveness can be seen in 2 to three months

Directions for Use

It is advisable to take Penicillamine on an empty stomach usually 1 or 2 hours before meals, as instructed by the doctor

Do’s and Don’ts

• Advisable to maintain a gap of an hour with medications if consuming
• Operating machinery or driving should be avoided after consumption of Cuprimine
• Blood sugar should be monitored and discussed regularly with the doctor time to time
• Vaccinations during your treatment with Penicillamine strictly prohibited unless directed by the doctor
• Capsules should be swallowed as whole

Side Effects

• Common side effects: Signs of infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, skin blisters, mouth sores, new or worsening joint pain, thinning/wrinkling skin
• Serious side effects: Kidney problems like change in the amount of urine, bloody urine), coughing up blood, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, eye problems, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin

Precautions

• Allergic reaction like rashes, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing are rare, contact the doctor if occur
• Recommended to discuss about medical history of liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders, stomach/intestinal disease, any active infection, folic acid deficiency before treating with Cuprimine
• Severe drowsiness/dizziness or breathing problems can occur if overdosed the medicine
• Penicillamine is not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it may harm unborn or nursing baby

Storage

• Store Penicillamine in away from the reach of children and pets
• Put Penicillamine in the medical box in its original container
• Avoid storing Cuprimine in the bathroom, excess moisture can harm the medicines

Disposal

• Avoid throwing Cuprimine in the household dustbin without sealing in the bag
• Do not dispose the medicine on the junk heap
• Dispose Penicillamine with undesirable substances