Type of medicine: chelating agent
Generic and brand names: trientine, oral; Syprine
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat Wilson's disease (too much copper in the body).
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2Â hours after meals). Also, take it at least 2Â hours apart from any antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, and at least 1 hour apart from food, milk, or other medicines, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not open or chew them. Any skin that touches the contents of a capsule should be promptly washed with water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You will need to have blood or urine tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
During the first month that you take this medicine, check your temperature every night before you go to bed. If you have a fever or skin rash or redness, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Your healthcare provider may want you to drink more liquids or follow a special diet while taking this medicine. Talk with your provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Rash; unexplained fever or sore throat; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or paleness; increased joint pain; muscle stiffness or muscle spasms; swelling around your neck; vision changes; trouble breathing; severe weakness; bloody or cloudy urine.
Other: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, mouth sores, cracked or flaky skin.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
