Penicillamine (Depen)

Penicillamine (Depen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

Monitoring by your provider

You should be under close supervision of your provider while taking penicillamine (Depen). Tell your provider if you have any side effects while taking this medication.

Serious blood problems

• Risk factors: History of blood problems | Taking medications like gold therapy, antimalarial medications, cytotoxic medications, oxyphenbutazone, or phenylbutazone

Penicillamine (Depen) can cause blood problems, like low white blood cells, low red blood cells, or low platelets (blood cells that help clot blood when you get a cut). Taking certain medications like gold therapy (e.g., Ridaura (auranofin)), antimalarial medications (e.g., mefloquine), cytotoxic medications (e.g., methotrexate), oxyphenbutazone, or phenylbutazone can raise your risk of developing blood problems, because they can also cause these problems. Let your provider know if you have a history of blood problems or are taking any medications that might cause them before starting penicillamine (Depen). While you're taking this medication, you'll probably need to take blood tests so your provider can monitor your blood. If you notice a fever, sore throat, chills, bruising, or bleeding, contact your provider immediately.

Serious kidney problems

• Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking medications like gold therapy, antimalarial medications, cytotoxic medications, oxyphenbutazone, or phenylbutazone

Penicillamine (Depen) might cause you to have protein or blood in your urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. This is more likely to happen if you have a history of kidney problems or take certain medications. Don’t take penicillamine (Depen) if you currently have kidney problems, and talk to your provider about alternative medications. You'll have to take regular urine tests while you're taking penicillamine (Depen) so your provider can check your kidneys. If you notice any blood in your urine, tell your provider right away.

Fever

Some people might experience a fever in response to taking penicillamine (Depen), usually in the second or third week of therapy. If you experience a fever, stop taking the medication and let your provider know right away. If you're taking it to treat Wilson's disease or cystinuria, your provider might start it again at a low dose once your fever goes away and then raise your dose slowly. For RA, your provider will likely change your medication, because there are other options.

Allergic reactions

You might notice a rash as early as during the first few months of taking penicillamine (Depen), or as late as six months or more after starting it. Let your provider know if you get a rash. If you get a very itchy rash on your stomach or back after six months or longer of starting penicillamine (Depen), your provider might stop the medication. If you experience a fever, swollen lymph nodes, or joint pain with a rash, tell your provider right away.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency

• Risk factors: Children | Menstruating women | Low copper or methionine diet

Penicillamine (Depen) can cause lower vitamin B6 levels in your body, an important nutrient that helps keep you healthy. The medication attaches to vitamin B6 and prevents it from working in your body. In addition, if you need to be on a special diet for your condition, you might not be getting enough protein from your diet. This can cause low iron levels in your body. Ask your provider if you or your child should take supplements while taking penicillamine (Depen) to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs.

Nerve problems

Some people using penicillamine (Depen) have experienced nerve problems affecting different parts of the body. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, double vision, and muscle weakness. Tell your provider immediately if you notice any of these side effects.

Skin problems

Some people taking penicillamine (Depen) have developed pemphigus, a condition where your body's immune system attacks your skin and causes blisters and sores. If this happens, you might need to stop penicillamine (Depen) and get treated with medications called steroids or immunosuppressants. Tell your provider if you notice any blisters or sores on your skin.