penicillamine (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Common reactions to penicillamine include abdominal pain,
cramps, rash,
allergic reactions, weight loss, diarrhea, dysgeusia
(loss of sense of taste), nausea, lip
swelling, itching, and vomiting.
Penicillamine can cause bone marrow suppression [anemia, low blood platelets
(thrombocytopenia) and white blood cells
(neutropenia)] and serious kidney disease.
All patients who take penicillamine require regular blood and urine testing to
monitor for these side effects.
Penicillamine can increase the requirement for
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and supplements of pyridoxine are advised.
Penicillamine has an unusual risk of inducing immune-related diseases, such as
systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis,
Goodpasture's syndrome, and myasthenia gravis.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/3/2009
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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