Cuprimine (Penicillamine) is a prescription medication used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis when other medications have been tried without success, Wilson’s disease and a disorder that causes kidney stones called cystinuria. For rheumatoid arthritis, Penicillamine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and it works by helping decrease the pain and swelling in joints. Penicillamine is in a class of medications called heavy metal antagonists and for Wilson's disease, it works by removing excess copper from the body, and for cystinuria, this medication works by decreasing the amount of a certain substance in the urine that can cause kidney stones. This medicine is not approved to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Manufacturer Information

Seek emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to this medication.

The common side effects of Cuprimine may include:
• A wound that will not heal;
• Changes in skin such as pimples or wrinkling;
• Decrease in sense of taste;
• Loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Numbness or tingly feeling;
• Ringing in your ears

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
• Blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red swollen gums;
• Foamy or bloody urine, lower back pain;
• Muscle weakness in your arms, legs and face;
• New or worsening joint pain or cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• Pain or burning when you urinate;
• Skin rash, peeling, or watery blisters;
• Swelling in your hands, legs, and feet;
• Trouble chewing or swallowing

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Do not use Cuprimine if you are allergic to Penicillamine or if you:
• Are breast-feeding;
• Have an infection or damaged blood cells after taking Cuprimine in the past;
• Have kidney disease

Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history and if you are malnourished or if you have:
• A stomach ulcer;
• A weak immune system;
• An allergy to Penicillin;
• Liver or kidney disease

Some medication can cause unwanted or dangerous side effects when used together with Cuprimine. Tell your doctor if you are using gold injections, medications to treat or prevent malaria or cancer medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, nonprescription, herbal products, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Cuprimine and other medications. Do not take other medications at the same time you take Cuprimine. If you are taking iron supplements, take in at least two hours before or two hours after you take this medication because iron can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication. Avoid taking mineral supplements unless advised by your doctor. If you have Wilson's disease, do not eat nuts, chocolate, molasses, liver, shellfish, mushroom, broccoli and cereals that are fortified with copper and avoid any supplements that contain copper. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medication.

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