trientine hydrochloride

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule is indicated in the treatment of patients with Wilson's disease who are intolerant of penicillamine. Clinical experience with Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule is limited and alternate dosing regimens have not been well-characterized; all endpoints in determining an individual patient's dose have not been well defined. Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule and penicillamine cannot be considered interchangeable. Trientine hydrochloride Capsule should be used when continued treatment with penicillamine is no longer possible because of intolerable or life endangering side effects. Unlike penicillamine, Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule is not recommended in cystinuria or rheumatoid arthritis. The absence of a sulfhydryl moiety renders it incapable of binding cystine and, therefore, it is of no use in cystinuria. In 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule was reported not to be effective in improving any clinical or biochemical parameter after 12 weeks of treatment. Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule is not indicated for treatment of biliary cirrhosis.

WARNINGS Patient experience with trientine hydrochloride is limited (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Patients receiving Trientine Hydrochloride Capsule should remain under regular medical supervision throughout the period of drug administration. Patients (especially women) should be closely monitored for evidence of iron deficiency anemia.