Penicillamine for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Examples
|
| penicillamine | Cuprimine, Depen |
Penicillamine is given orally, in capsule or tablet
form.
How It Works
Penicillamine reduces inflammation from
rheumatoid arthritis and slows progression of the
disease. Penicillamine is a substance that normally is used to bind and remove
metals and toxic chemicals from the blood.
Why It Is Used
Penicillamine may be used when
rheumatoid arthritis is not controlled by other medicines. Rheumatologists do
not usually give penicillamine as a first treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
since methotrexate and other DMARDs are available.
Penicillamine
can be used by people with penicillin allergies. But talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines while also taking
penicillamine.
How Well It Works
A recent review reports that
treatment with penicillamine for about 6 months reduces rheumatoid arthritis
activity and joint inflammation. But common and sometimes serious side effects
limit its use.1
Side Effects
Penicillamine may cause birth defects and
is not used during pregnancy.
Serious side effects from
penicillamine include:
- Serious infection.
- Low blood
counts.
- Inflammation in the pancreas, causing abdominal
pain.
- Serious skin rash.
- Excessive bleeding or
bruising.
- Muscle weakness (due to
myasthenia gravis or
myositis).
- Protein loss in the
kidney
If you experience any of the above serious side effects,
contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention
immediately.
Less serious side effects may include:
- Itchy skin rash.
- Reduced or changed
sense of taste.
- Sores in the mouth.
- Nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or decreased appetite.
- Decreased sense of smell.
Rare side effects include:
- Kidney problems.
- Low blood
counts.
In extremely rare cases, this drug triggers
autoimmune disorders, such as
lupus.
See Drug Reference for a full list
of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Penicillamine may be more toxic
than other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as
methotrexate, and it should be used only under the supervision of a specialist
in joint disease (rheumatologist) who is familiar with its side
effects.
Regular blood tests are needed
while taking this medicine.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Walker-Bone K, Fallow S (2007). Rheumatoid arthritis,
search date June 2005. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 11, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
June 11, 2010
Walker-Bone K, Fallow S (2007). Rheumatoid arthritis,
search date June 2005. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
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