Trientine (By mouth)

Trientine Hydrochloride (TRYE-en-teen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats Wilson's disease (high levels of copper in the body) in people who cannot take penicillamine (Cuprimine®, Depen®).

Brand Name(s):

Syprine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trientine (Syprine®). You should not use this medicine to treat cystinuria (kidney, ureter, or bladder stones), rheumatoid arthritis, or biliary cirrhosis (inflammation and scarring of the liver).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take your prescribed dose at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals, and at least 1 hour apart from any food, milk, or other medicines.
Swallow the capsule whole, and wash it down with water only . Do not crush, break, or chew it. Rinse any areas of your body or hands with water that may have touched the medicine inside the capsule.
For the first month that you use this medicine, take your temperature every night before you go to bed. Let your doctor know if you have a fever (body temperature elevated above 98.6 degrees F). Let your doctor know if you develop a skin rash or redness.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking any mineral supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, or zinc. These minerals may be present in multivitamins as well, so make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any vitamins.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have anemia (low levels of iron in your blood). Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, or have unusual muscle weakness.
Joint pain.
Seeing double, or other vision problems.
Skin rash or redness.
Tensing of muscles in your head, arms, legs, trunk, or neck that you are not able to control, or muscle twitching.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017