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Compare Penicillamine vs. Trientine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Penicillamine (Depen)
    Trientine (Syprine)
  • Penicillamine (Depen)
    Trientine (Syprine)

  • Summary of Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Summary for Chelating agent
    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.

    Summary for Chelating agent
    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 of Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Indications for
    •Wilson's disease
    •Cystinuria
    •Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when other medications haven’t worked well
    Indications for
    •Wilson's disease in people who can't take penicillamine (Depen)

  • Pros and Cons of Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Pros and Const for Chelating agent
    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
    Pros and Const for Chelating agent
    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 of Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low iron levels (iron deficiency)

  • Warnings of Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Requires close monitoring by your provider
    •Serious blood problems
    •Serious kidney problems
    •Fever
    •Allergic reactions
    •Vitamin and mineral deficiency
    •Nerve problems
    •Skin problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Little known about the effects of the medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Penicillamine vs. Trientine

    Learn more about Penicillamine
    Learn more about Trientine

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