What is Depen
PenicillamineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPenicillamine is a medication used to chelate, or bind to, certain metals in the body to remove them from circulation. It is derived from penicillin, but does not have any antibiotic properties. The drug form used is D-penicillamine, as the L-form is toxic and inhibits the action of pyridoxine.
Cuprimineis the brand name
Depen Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cuprimine
Penicillamine
1970
17
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Penicillamine, also known as Cuprimine, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses including Rheumatoid Arthritis and cystine renal calculi .Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage severe Rheumatoid arthritis
cystine renal calculi
Helps manage cystine renal calculi
refractory Rheumatoid arthritis
Helps manage refractory Rheumatoid arthritis
Poisoning, Lead
Wilsons Disease
Helps manage Wilsons Disease
Effectiveness
How Depen Affects PatientsPenicillamine is used to treat Wilson's disease, reduce the amount of cystine excretion in cystinuria, and to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis. The drug works by decreasing the activity of certain cells and hormones linked to inflammation in the body. It also binds to copper in Wilson's disease and helps the body remove it through urine.
How Depen works in the bodyPenicillamine is used to remove excess copper in people with Wilson's disease. It also helps reduce cystine levels in people with cystinuria. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by suppressing disease activity, but how it does this isn't clear. It reduces IgM rheumatoid factor, but doesn't affect normal levels of immunoglobulins. Unlike other drugs, it only suppresses T-cell activity, not B-cell activity.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended dose of Depen is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including cystine renal calculi, Poisoning, Lead and refractory Rheumatoid arthritis. The amount of dosage differs, based on the procedure of delivery detailed in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
cystine renal calculi
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg
Capsule - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Poisoning, Lead
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg
Capsule - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
refractory Rheumatoid arthritis
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg
Capsule - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Rheumatoid Arthritis
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg
Capsule - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Wilsons Disease
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg
Capsule - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Depen.Common Depen Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Penicillamine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Penicillamine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abatacept
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Penicillamine is combined with Abatacept.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Penicillamine is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Penicillamine is combined with Acteoside.
Depen Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Depen?
5 active trials are currently underway to assess the potential of Depen in managing refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Wilson's Disease.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
cystine renal calculi
0 Actively Recruiting
refractory Rheumatoid arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Wilsons Disease
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Poisoning, Lead
0 Actively Recruiting
Depen Reviews: What are patients saying about Depen?
5Patient Review
8/4/2008 My husband has been on this treatment since 1989 for a rare condition called scleroderma. It's worked wonders and we really feel like it saved his life. If you know anything about the condition, you'll know how serious it can be. This medication works on both the skin and internal organs, which is amazing. I hope this review helps someone out there.
Patient Q&A Section about depen
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Who makes Depen?
"This medication should be dispensed in a tight container. If you experience any adverse reactions, please contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch."
Answered by AI
What is the generic name for penicillamine?
"There are two different strengths of CUPRIMINE (Penicillamine) capsules available for oral administration - 125 mg and 250 mg."
Answered by AI
Is penicillamine an immunosuppressant?
"Penicillamine works by suppressing the immune system, which is responsible for the body's defense mechanisms. It is used to manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Wilson's disease, and sometimes other conditions like scleroderma."
Answered by AI
What is Depen?
"Penicillamine (Depen) is a drug that helps remove excess copper from the body. It is used to treat Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver, brain, and other organs. It is also used to treat cystinuria, a condition that causes stones to form in the urinary tract, and RA, a form of arthritis."
Answered by AI