Cuprimine (Penicillamine)

What is Cuprimine?

Cuprimine is a chelating agent. It is known as a disease- modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), when used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

What is Cuprimine used for?

Cuprimine is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, cystinuria (a disorder that causes kidney stones) and Wilson’s disease (a condition wherein enhanced copper levels in the body damage brain, liver, and other organs).

How does Cuprimine work?

Cuprimine works by attaching itself to certain chemicals in the body, which helps in their removal.

How to use Cuprimine

Cuprimine should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Take the Cuprimine tablet orally on an empty stomach, that is to say, at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before meals. Take it with a full glass of water.

Keep a gap of at least an hour before taking milk, or other drugs especially antacids. You may be asked to take iron and vitamin B6. If such is a case, take these in a gap of at least two hours before or after taking Cuprimine. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Cuprimine warnings and precautions

Do not take Cuprimine if you are allergic to the medicine or penicillins.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have suffered from or are suffering from kidney disease, bone marrow disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia), or have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillamine earlier.

If you are pregnant and are suffering from Wilson’s disease or have cystine in the urine, only then should you use this medicine. It has been known to cause birth defects. Take it only after confirming with the doctor. Lactating women must consult their doctors before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Cuprimine dose?

If you have missed a Cuprimine dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with the routine. Do not take more than one dose to catch up.

What do I do if I have taken a Cuprimine overdose?

If you have taken a Cuprimine overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Cuprimine interactions

Do not take Curprimine if you are taking any of the following medicines: 

a gold-therapy product like auranofin, gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine, Aurolate), aurothioglucose (Solganal); antimalarial medicines, medicines like Lariam, chloroquine (Aralen), a cancer chemotherapy medication or phenylbutazone.

Before taking Cuprimine, inform your doctor if you take digoxin medicines such as Lanoxicaps. Cuprimine is known to decrease the effects of digoxin.

Many other drugs, especially antacids, vitamin and mineral supplements, can neutralize the effects of Cuprimine. Do not take any medicines or over-the-counter drugs or supplements within 1 hour of taking this medicine. Also, do not use a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Cuprimine side effects

Cuprimine side effects include breathing trouble, closing of your throat; hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fever, chills, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, unusual bleeding, bruising; double vision, unexplained shortness of breath, yellow skin or eyes, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine. If you experience any of these, seek emergency medical attention.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take the medicine and notify your doctor if you experience itching, rash, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, poor wound healing and increased wrinkling of the skin.

Do not ignore any side effects of Cuprimine and keep checking with your doctor on any new development.