DEPEN

Drug Name: DEPEN

DEPEN DESCRIPTION:
PENICILLAMINE - ORAL (pen-ih-SILL-uh-meen)

COMMON DEPEN BRAND NAME(S):
Cuprimine, Depen

DEPEN SIDE EFFECTS:
Indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Cough, breathing trouble, mouth sores, hair loss, altered tastes, hot flashes and ringing in the ears may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, skin rash, fever, sore throat, chills. DEPEN may cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to monitor for these effects and to ensure the drug is working properly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DEPEN:
DEPEN: Take DEPEN on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Avoid taking any other medication, food or milk within at least one hour of taking this. Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of water during therapy with DEPEN. Do not stop taking DEPEN without consulting your doctor.

DEPEN USES:
Penicillamine is used to treat arthritis, Wilson's disease, or to prevent kidney stone formation.

OTHER USES OF DEPEN:
DEPEN may also be used for lead poisoning, certain liver conditions, and certain skin conditions.

DEPEN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as: kidney disease, blood disorders, allergies. Penicillamine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using DEPEN. It is not known if DEPEN passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DEPEN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially: antacids, anticancer medication, digoxin, gold therapy, iron, medication for malaria, phenylbutazone. Avoid taking any medication within one hour of taking this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DEPEN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DEPEN NOTES:
DEPEN may increase your need for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and iron. Ask your doctor if a vitamin supplement is necessary while taking DEPEN.

MISSED DEPEN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DEPEN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.