Trientine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Syprine, trien

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take trientine with water. The capsule should be swallowed whole. It must not be opened, crushed, or chewed.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) and at least 1 hour before or after any other medicine, food, or milk . This will allow trientine to be better absorbed by your body.

Trientine will not cure Wilson's disease, but it will help remove the excess copper from your body. Therefore, you must continue to take this medicine regularly, as directed. You may have to take trientine for the rest of your life . If Wilson's disease is not treated continually, it can cause severe liver damage and can cause death. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor .

It is very important for you to follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as following a low-copper diet . You may need to avoid foods known to be high in copper, such as chocolate, mushrooms, liver, molasses, broccoli, cereals enriched with copper, shellfish, organ meats, and nuts. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more or less of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, it may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing - The dose of trientine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label .

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For Wilson's disease:
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 750 milligrams (mg) to 1.25 grams a day. The dose may be divided into two to four smaller doses.
    • Children - The usual dose is 500 to 750 mg a day. The dose may be divided into two to four smaller doses.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, double the next dose. Do not make up more than one missed dose at a time.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store sealed, unopened bottles of trientine in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.