• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

Do not take penicillamine if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a gold-therapy product such as auranofin (Ridaura), aurothioglucose (Solganal), or gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine, Aurolate);

• an antimalarial medicine such as quinine (Quinamm), mefloquine (Lariam), chloroquine (Aralen), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), primaquine, or pyrimethamine (Daraprim);

• a cancer chemotherapy medicine; or

• phenylbutazone.

Like penicillamine, the medications listed above can affect the blood and the kidneys. Combined with penicillamine, any of these medicines can be very dangerous.

Before taking penicillamine, tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps). Penicillamine may decrease the effects of digoxin, and your doctor may want to adjust your dosage or monitor your therapy.

Many other drugs, especially antacids and vitamin and mineral supplements, can decrease the effects of penicillamine. Do not take any medicines or over-the-counter drugs or supplements within 1 hour of a penicillamine dose.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with penicillamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

• fever or chills;

• a sore throat;

• unusual bleeding or bruising;

• blood in the urine;

• unexplained shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing;

• abdominal pain;

• yellow skin or eyes;

• muscle weakness; or

• double vision.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take penicillamine and notify your doctor if you experience

• itching or a rash;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;

• ringing in the ears;

• decreased taste;

• sores in the mouth;

• poor wound healing; or

• increased wrinkling of the skin.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.