Trientine Tablets

What is this medication?

TRIENTINE (TRY en teen) treats Wilson disease, a condition that causes high levels of copper in your body. It works by binding to copper so your kidneys can remove it through the urine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): CUVRIOR

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anemia
• An unusual or allergic reaction to trientine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Leave the tablet in the sealed pack until you are ready to take it. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food. Do not crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You may cut the tablet in half. This may help you swallow the tablet if the whole tablet is too big. Be sure to take both halves. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take other medications and supplements at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication 2 hours BEFORE or 2 hours AFTER iron products. Take this medication 1 hour BEFORE or 2 hours AFTER products that contain calcium, magnesium, or zinc. Take this medication 1 hour BEFORE or 1 hour AFTER other oral medications.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Vitamins or other products that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work while you are taking this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Lupus-like syndrome—joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, rashes that get worse in the sun, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Hair loss
• Mood swings
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.