Product Details: Cuprimine (Penicillamine)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a chelating agent used to treat Wilson's Disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to prevent kidney stones and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Do not take other medicines within 1 hour of taking this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE with antacids or iron products. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR KIDNEY STONES, drink several glasses (8 ounces) of water each day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

IT IS IMPORTANT that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as urinalysis, complete blood counts, or liver function tests may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, stomach pain, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash, fever, chills, sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, joint pain, or mouth ulcers. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Penicillamine