Generic Cuprimine

Description

Active Ingredient

The main active component of this medicine is Penicillamine, which is a beta dimethyl analog of the amino acid cysteine. As a degradation product of penicillin antibiotics, the component with heavy metals and increases their urinary excretion. Possessing antineoplastic properties, it induces apoptosis by a p53-mediated mechanism and inhibits angiogenesis by chelating with copper, a cofactor for angiogenesis. It is chelating agent used to decrease copper stores in Wilson disease. It is capable of causing hypersensitivity reactions, some of which are accompanied by liver injury which is typically cholestatic.

Indications

The given medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Wilson’s disease, and a certain disorder which causes kidney stones. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Cuprimine is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints.

For the treatment of Wilson’s disease, this medicine binds to copper and helps it to be removed from the body. Decreasing copper levels helps to improve liver function and the mental/mood/nerve problems caused by the disease. For the treatment of cystinuria, penicillamine helps to decrease the amount of a certain substance in the urine which can cause kidney stones.

Action Mechanism

It may be related to reduction of collagen formation. Collagen is a type of tissue compound that forms as part of scar tissue that results from inflammation. This medicine also may result in suppression of the immune system.

In people with rheumatoid arthritis, Cuprimine appears to slow the progression of the disease and improve function. For this reason it is considered a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It binds copper, iron, mercury, lead, and cystine which then are excreted in the urine, and this mechanism is important in treating several non-rheumatic diseases including Wilson’s disease.

Dosages

This medication is available for oral consumption and in dosage as mentioned below:

• 250 mg: It is to be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals as directed by the doctor

Note

This medicine is not approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

FAQ’s

What is Cuprimine?

Cuprimine is a type of medicine called a copper-chelating agent. This means the medication binds to copper in body tissues where it has built up and carries it into the bloodstream, which carries the bound copper to the kidneys, which filter it into the urine.

What other conditions are treated with Cuprimine?

Cuprimine is also used to reduce urine levels of an amino acid called cystine that causes stones to form in the kidneys and bladder in people with an inherited condition called cystinuria.

It is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis after other medicines that have been tried without success.

What is the main active ingredient in Cuprimine?

Penicillamine, active ingredient in Cuprimine has been shown to improve neurological symptoms, because Kayser-Fleischer rings to fade, and gradually lessen liver symptoms and psychic disturbances. Noticeable improvement may not occur for 1–3 months.

How much Cuprimine is safe for consumption?

For patients with WD, in the absence of drug reaction, dosage between 0.75 and 1.5 g in an initial 24-hour excretion of copper in the urine of over 2 mg should be continued for about 3 months.

What should be avoided while taking Cuprimine?

If you have Wilson’s disease (WD), avoid eating nuts, chocolate, molasses, liver, shellfish, mushrooms, broccoli, and cereals that are fortified with copper.