Penicillamine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It helps reduce joint pain and swelling by reducing inflammation in your joints.
It may also be used to remove certain metals and a protein called cystine from your body.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Penicillamine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Penicillamine should be taken at least 1 hour apart from any other drug, food, milk, antacid, zinc or iron containing preparations.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition.
Penicillamine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood disorder
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- moderate or severe kidney disease
as Penicillamine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Penicillamine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Penicillamine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- protein in your urine
- blood in your urine
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Penicillamine to an elderly.
Do not participate in activities in which you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking Penicillamine, you may need to have regular blood, urine and liver function tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Penicillamine may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, taste disturbances, sore throat and mouth ulcer.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- difficulty in breathing
- swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue or throat
- fever and chills with extreme tiredness and paleness of skin
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- gold
- iron or zinc supplement
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen
- medicines for an irregular heartbeat e.g. digoxin
- medicines to treat mood disorders e.g. clozapine
- medicines to treat malaria e.g. chloroquine
- medicines to neutralise stomach acid e.g. sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Penicillamine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Ask your doctor about what type of food would be suitable for you while you are taking Penicillamine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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