Syprine
Generic name:trientine [ TRYE-en-teen ]
Drug class:Chelating agents
What is Syprine?
Syprine 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.
Syprine is used to treat this inherited condition in people who cannot take penicillamine.
Syprine 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 Syprine.
To make sure Syprine 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 Syprine 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 Syprine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take Syprine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Syprine 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 Syprine.
Do not chew, break, or open a Syprine 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 Syprine. 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 Syprine.
While using Syprine, 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.
