Penicillamine vs. Trientine for Wilson's Disease: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Penicillamine

(Depen)

Trientine

(Syprine)

Summary for Penicillamine

Prescription only

Penicillamine (Depen) is used to treat Wilson's disease, cystinuria, and severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has many side effects, such as upset stomach and changes in taste, and requires careful monitoring by your provider. The dose is taken on an empty stomach, but you'll have to follow specific instructions on how to time penicillamine (Depen) with your meals and other medications. This medication comes as tablets (under the brand name Depen) and capsules (under the brand name Cuprimine). Penicillamine (Depen) is also available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Penicillamine

Wilson's disease
Cystinuria
Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when other medications haven’t worked well

Pros and Cons for Penicillamine

Pros

Can take long term for maintenance therapy
One of the few recommended treatments for Wilson's disease
Can help control symptoms of Wilson’s disease
Can use in children with cystinuria

Cons

Need to take on an empty stomach
Might need to take multiple times a day
Can take 2 or 3 months before seeing the full effects of the medication for RA
Not safe for use during pregnancy and in people with kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Penicillamine

Stomach problems, such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (17%)
Total or partial loss of taste (12%)
Protein in urine (6%)
Rash (5%)

Warnings for Penicillamine

Requires close monitoring by your provider
Serious blood problems
Serious kidney problems
Fever
Allergic reactions
Vitamin and mineral deficiency
Nerve problems
Skin problems

Summary for Trientine

Prescription only

Trientine (Syprine) is a medication used in people with Wilson's disease to prevent blood copper levels from getting too high. It's only for people who can't take penicillamine (Depen). It's not commonly used, so there's little information about this medication.

Indications for Trientine

Wilson's disease in people who can't take penicillamine (Depen)

Pros and Cons for Trientine

Pros

Can be used for short-term and long-term treatment of Wilson's disease
Few reported side effects
Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

Little known about this medication, since it hasn't been used or studied a lot
Need to take 2 to 4 times per day and on an empty stomach
Need to store in the refrigerator

Common Side Effects for Trientine

Low iron levels (iron deficiency)

Warnings for Trientine

Little known about the effects of the medication

Prices with our coupons for Penicillamine vs. Trientine

Penicillamine90 capsules / 250mg of

$1,399.21$17,807.03

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Trientine120 capsules / 250mg of

$290.30$19,964.09

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Penicillamine vs. Trientine

Penicillamine

Trientine

Summary for Penicillamine

Indications for Penicillamine

Pros and Cons for Penicillamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Penicillamine

Warnings for Penicillamine

Summary for Trientine

Indications for Trientine

Pros and Cons for Trientine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trientine

Warnings for Trientine

Prices with our coupons for Penicillamine vs. Trientine

Browse medications by letter

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Penicillamine

Trientine

Summary for Penicillamine

Indications for Penicillamine

Pros and Cons for Penicillamine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Penicillamine

Warnings for Penicillamine

Summary for Trientine

Indications for Trientine

Pros and Cons for Trientine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trientine

Warnings for Trientine