Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain inherited disorder (Wilson's disease). This disorder causes too much copper to build up in the liver, brain, and other parts of the body. Trientine works by binding to copper, which helps your body get rid of extra copper. This can decrease symptoms such as problems with speech/swallowing/coordination, tiredness, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, fluid buildup in the legs/abdomen, uncontrolled movements, or muscle stiffness.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. Take this medication at least 1 hour apart from any other drug, food, or milk.

If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open or chew the capsules. If you accidentally come in contact with the capsule contents, wash the area promptly with water to avoid an allergic reaction.

If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, do not crush, chew or dissolve the tablets. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before using.

If you are taking a certain medication called penicillamine, your doctor will direct you to stop the medication before starting trientine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not change dosage forms of this medication without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor directs you to also take an iron supplement, take it at least 2 hours before or after trientine.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

You may notice worsening in certain symptoms of Wilson's disease (such as problems with speech/swallowing/coordination, uncontrolled movements) when you start taking trientine as the medication begins to work to reduce the copper levels in your body. Always tell your doctor right away about these symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

Side Effects

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication and a low-copper diet may increase the risk for iron deficiency. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as feeling very tired, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, cold hands/feet. Your doctor may direct you to take an iron supplement for a short time (see also How to Use section).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking trientine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children and pregnant or menstruating women may be at greater risk for developing iron deficiency while taking this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood/urine copper levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

For the best effect, follow a low-copper diet as directed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.