Zinc is a mineral that is used to treat Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder in which copper builds up in some of your vital organs such as the brain or liver. Zinc acetate is usually given to people who have already been treated with a chelating drug to remove copper from the body.

Zinc acetate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after a meal.

If zinc acetate upsets your stomach, take the medicine between breakfast and lunch.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Take zinc acetate regularly to get the most benefit.

You will need medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Usual Adult Dose for Wilson's Disease:

50 mg orally 3 times a day

Comments:
-Use is not recommended for initial treatment of symptomatic patients because of its slow onset of action (by zinc-induced increase in metallothionein and copper uptake blockade).
-Use chelating agents for initial treatment.
-When patient is clinically stable, treatment with zinc acetate can begin; continue chelation therapy as clinically indicated.

Use: Maintenance treatment of Wilson's disease initially treated with a chelating agent

Usual Pediatric Dose for Zinc Deficiency:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of elemental zinc:
0 to 6 months: 2 mg (adequate intake)
7 to 12 months: 3 mg
1 to 3 years: 3 mg
4 to 8 years: 4 mg
9 to 13 years: 8 mg
14 to 18 years:
-Male: 11 mg
-Female: 9 mg
-Pregnancy: 12 mg
-Lactation: 13 mg

Usual Pediatric Dose for Wilson's Disease:

10 years and older:
Usual dose: 25 mg orally 3 times a day
-May increase to 50 mg 3 times a day if monitoring indicates lessening of control

Comments:
-Use is not recommended for initial treatment of symptomatic patients because of its slow onset of action (by zinc-induced increase in metallothionein and copper uptake blockade).
-Use chelating agents for initial treatment.
-When patient is clinically stable, treatment with zinc acetate can begin; continue chelation therapy as clinically indicated.

Use: Maintenance treatment of Wilson's disease initially treated with a chelating agent

You should not use zinc acetate if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease; or

• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking zinc acetate.

Zinc acetate should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

You may need to avoid certain foods that can make it harder for your body to absorb zinc acetate. This includes milk, coffee, bread, bran, and boiled eggs. Follow your doctor's instructions

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Zinc acetate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• speech problems; or

• unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Common side effects of zinc acetate may include:

• upset stomach; or

• abnormal lab tests.

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.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially antiviral medicine to treat HIV.

Other drugs may affect zinc acetate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.