How does it work?

Despite the apparent similarity in their names, it is important not to confuse penicillamine with the antibiotic penicillin. The two are different and have different uses. Penicillamine belongs to a mixed group of medicines called "disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs" (DMARDs). Unlike simple painkillers, penicillamine actually slows progression of the underlying disease. It does, however, produce more serious side effects. It is not understood exactly how penicillamine works when used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is known that it reduces the blood levels of certain inflammatory chemicals which the body's immune system produces in rheumatoid arthritis. Once these levels have fallen, the symptoms of swollen joints can subside. Penicillamine may take up to 3 months to work, but if it has had no effect in one year then it should be stopped. Because penicillamine binds to copper, it can be used to treat Wilson's disease, where there is a harmful accumulation of copper in the body. By binding to the excess copper, the copper is prevented from exerting its harmful effects.

What is it used for?

A disease where copper is deposited in the liver and brain

Chronic active hepatitis

Cystinuria (presence of cystine in the urine)

Inflammatory disease of the joints

Lead poisoning

Warning!

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason, if you experience any unexplained bruising, purple spots, bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness, you should consult your doctor immediately so that blood tests can be carried out to check for this.

Patients should contact a doctor if they feel unwell. This could be a warning of potentially serious side effects.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

The manufacturer recommends regular urine testing during treatment. This is to ensure that no problems are being caused by the medication.

Use with caution in

Kidney disease

Penicillin allergy

Not to be used in

Allergy to any of the active ingredients

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take iron preparations or indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

Take this medication half to one hour before food.

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