Penicillamine

About Penicillamine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Penicillamine can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in active progressive rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis. Penicillamine helps relieves the symptoms and slow down the progress of rheumatoid arthritis; it will not cure the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself. Penicillamine works by supressing the immune system's over reaction, though the exact way in which it works is not fully understood.

Penicillamine is also used to treat lead poisoning, cystinuria, Wilson's disease and chronic active hepatitis.

Penicillamine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Distamine. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Penicillamine

Before taking penicillamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• if you are allergic to penicillin
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Penicillamine

• Take penicillamine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take penicillamine half to one hour before food or at bedtime.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of penicillamine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Penicillamine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, including common 'painkillers', check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside penicillamine.
• IMPORTANT: do not take any vitamins or mineral supplements without consulting your doctor first.
• Avoid taking indigestion remedies or medicines containing iron or zinc at the same time as penicillamine. They should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of penicillamine.
• Keep your regular appointments so that your progress can be monitored, you will need to have regular blood tests while taking this medicine.
• If you undergo surgery, including dental treatment and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking penicillamine.
• Penicillamine gradually builds up its effects, so you are not likely to notice any improvement in your condition until after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.

Can Penicillamine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, loss of appetite, skin rashes, loss of taste, swollen mouth or mouth ulcers, hair loss or enlargement of breasts in both men and women.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience sore throat, high temperature, infection, generally feeling unwell, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe mouth ulcers or skin rashes; breathlessness or cough; or if you notice blood in your urine.

If you experience any other worrying side effects discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Penicillamine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 18/03/2004