Generic name: Trientine
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Cuvrior?
Trientine is used to treat Wilson's disease, a rare inherited condition that causes high copper levels in the body.
Your doctor will determine which brand form of trientine is the right treatment for you.
Trientine is given when other treatments are not effective or did not work.
Trientine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use trientine if you are allergic to it, or any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- high levels of cystine (an aminoacid) in urine;
- a mineral deficiency (iron, zinc, magnesium, or others);
- trouble swallowing;
- a neurologic disorder or disease; or
- liver disease (especially if you have biliary cirrhosis).
It is not known if trientine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having Wilson's disease during pregnancy can cause complications or medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating Wilson's disease may outweigh any risks to the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use Cuvrior
Use Cuvrior (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Trientine is usually taken twice and up to four times per day. You may need to take several capsules or tablets to receive your full dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or dissolve it. If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may split it in half and take right away. Do not store any tablet for later use after removing it from the package. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your blood will need to be tested before and during treatment with trientine, and you may need other medical tests. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
You may be given other medications to help treat certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a fever or rash. You may need to take your temperature every night for the first month of treatment with trientine.
Store the capsules tightly closed in their original container. Some trientine capsule brand forms are stored in the refrigerator. Others are stored at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist how to properly store trientine capsules.
Store the tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in the blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Cuvrior side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fever or skin rash, no matter how mild;
- signs of copper deficiency--weakness, confusion, loss of balance or coordination, numbness, tingling, weight loss;
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
- lupus-like symptoms--muscle or joint pain, flu symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight.
Your treatment may be permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, change in bowel habits;
- mood changes; or
- rash, hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cuvrior?
Ask your doctor before taking a mineral supplement (iron, zinc, magnesium, and others), and take only the type your doctor recommends.
If this medication gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.