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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)?

You cannot take penicillamine if you have taken it in the past and it has damaged your blood cells.

Before taking penicillamine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or any other serious illness. You may not be able to take penicillamine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.

Penicillamine may cause birth defects in an unborn baby. However, it has also been used during pregnancy with no evidence of defects. Penicillamine should not be used during pregnancy except to treat Wilson's disease and some cases of cystine in the urine. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether penicillamine passes into breast milk. Since penicillamine may harm a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with this medication.

How should I take penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)?

Take penicillamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Penicillamine must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a full meal, and at least 1 hour before or after any other drug, food, or milk. Taking penicillamine with anything else in the stomach greatly decreases its effectiveness.

Do not stop taking penicillamine without first talking to your doctor. Stopping therapy may cause your body to react abnormally when therapy is restarted. If you do stop taking the medication, do not restart without first talking to your doctor. You may need special monitoring.

Your doctor may want you to take a vitamin and mineral supplement during treatment with penicillamine. Penicillamine may reduce vitamin B6 and iron in the body. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store penicillamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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