Trientine
Generic name: trientine [ TRYE-en-teen ]
Brand names: Syprine, Clovique
Dosage form: oral capsule (250 mg)
Drug class:Chelating agents
What is trientine?
Trientine is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent. A chelating agent works by removing a heavy metal (such as lead, mercury, or copper) from the blood.
Wilson's disease is a genetic metabolic defect that causes excess copper to build up in the body.
Trientine is used to treat this inherited condition in people who cannot take penicillamine.
Trientine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to trientine.
To make sure trientine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
anemia (low red blood cells); or
a liver condition called biliary cirrhosis.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether trientine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether trientine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take trientine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take trientine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take trientine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not drink milk, eat food, or take any other medications for at least 1 hour after you take trientine.
Do not chew, break, or open a trientine capsule. Swallow it whole.
The medicine from a broken pill can be irritating if it gets on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with water right away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken capsule.
Your doctor may have you take extra iron while you are taking trientine. Take only the amount of iron that your doctor has prescribed.
Call your doctor if you have a fever or a skin rash while taking this medicine. You may need to take your temperature every night for the first month of treatment with trientine.
While using trientine, you may need frequent blood and urine tests. You should remain under the care of a doctor during treatment.
Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
