WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Penicillamine is used to treat Wilson's disease (an inherited condition that causes copper to build up in the body and may result in serious symptoms) and cystinuria (an inherited condition which can lead to kidney stones). It is also used in combination with other treatments to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) that did not get better after treatment with other medications. Penicillamine is in a class of medications called heavy metal antagonists. It works to treat Wilson's disease by binding to the extra copper in the body and causing it to leave the body through the urine. It works to treat cystinuria by binding to the substance that makes kidney stones and preventing it from building up and forming stones. It works to treat rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing some actions of the immune system.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Penicillamine comes as a capsule and as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, and at least 1 hour before or after any food or milk. For the treatment of Wilson's disease and cystinuria, penicillamine is usually taken four times a day. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis it is usually take once a day, but at increased dosages, it may be taken up to four times a day. Your doctor will recommend how long you should receive treatment based on your condition, how well your body responds to the medication, and any side effects that you experience. Take penicillamine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take penicillamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of penicillamine and gradually increase your dose.
For the treatment of Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis it may take one to three months or longer before you feel the full benefit of penicillamine. For all uses continue to take penicillamine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking penicillamine without talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms worsen. If you stop taking penicillamine you are at an increased risk of experiencing an allergic reaction when you start taking the medication again.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with penicillamine. Your doctor may treat you with other medications, or delay your treatment, reduce your dosage, or stop your treatment depending on the side effects that you experience.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
Penicillamine is also sometimes used as a follow up treatment for lead poisoning after it was treated with other medications. It is also sometimes used to treat certain types of liver disease. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking penicillamine,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
If you are being treated for Wilson's disease your doctor will probably recommend a special diet for you that is low in copper. This diet avoids cereals and dietary supplements that are enriched with copper, chocolate, nuts, shellfish, mushrooms, liver, molasses, broccoli, and other high copper containing foods. Your doctor may also recommend that you drink distilled or demineralized water, instead of regular tap water. Be sure to follow all dietary recommendations made by your doctor.
If you are being treated for cystinuria your doctor may recommend a special diet for you that is low in methionine (a type of protein). However if you are a child or if you are pregnant your doctor may not recommend this diet. Your doctor will also probably recommend that you drink enough liquids.
If you are being treated for rheumatoid arthritis, continue your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Penicillamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:
Penicillamine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to penicillamine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: April 15, 2018.