Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: PENICILLAMINE - ORAL (pen-ih-SILL-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Cuprimine, Depen
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Penicillamine is used to treat arthritis, Wilson's disease, or to prevent kidney stone formation.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for lead poisoning, certain liver conditions, and certain skin conditions.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Avoid taking any other medication, food or milk within at least one hour of taking this. Separate iron products and this medication by 2 hours. Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of water during therapy with this medication. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Mouth sores, hair loss, altered tastes, hot flashes and ringing in the ears may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained cough, trouble breathing, vision changes, unusual muscle movement or weakness, mental/mood changes, new or worsening joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash around the nose and cheeks, skin blisters. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, change in amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, severe trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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