How should I take penicillamine?
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.
Take penicillamine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking penicillamine.
Do not drink milk within 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take penicillamine.
You will need frequent urine tests.
Your condition may seem to get worse for a short time when you first start taking this medicine. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person taking penicillamine should remain under the care of a doctor.
It may take up to 3 months before your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
You may need to follow a special diet while using penicillamine. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.
If you do stop taking penicillamine for any reason, do not start taking it again until you talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may want you to take a multivitamin or take extra iron or vitamin B6 while you are taking penicillamine. Take only the amount of supplements that your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.