Background pattern

Cupripen 50 mg comprimidos

About the medication

Introduction

Prospecto:Information for the User

Cupripen 50 mg Tablets

penicilamina

Read this prospect carefully before starting to take this medicine,because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this prospect, as you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed only for you, and you must not give it to others even if they have the same symptoms as you, as it may harm them.
  • If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed in this prospect. See section 4.

1.What Cupripen is and for what it is used

2.What you need to know before starting to take Cupripen

3.How to take Cupripen

4.Possible adverse effects

5Storage of Cupripen

6.Contents of the package and additional information

1. What is Cupripen and what is it used for

Cupripen contains the active ingredient penicilamine, a chelating agent that primarily acts by binding to certain metals in the body, including copper and lead, to help reduce the amounts of metals absorbed by the body. Penicilamine has the ability to form a soluble complex with cysteine.

Cupripen is indicated for adults, adolescents, and children 5 years of age or older for the treatment of:

  • Wilson's disease, a disease in which the body cannot eliminate copper adequately
  • Heavy metal poisoning

A kidney problem called cystinuria

2. What you need to know before starting to take Cupripen

Do not take Cupripen

  • if you are allergic to penicillamineor to any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6),
  • if you are allergic to penicillins,
  • if you have had liver, kidney, or severe blood disorders while taking penicillamine,
  • if you have a condition called lupus erythematosus,
  • if you are taking medications with gold salts, antimalarials, cytotoxics, oxifenbutazone, or phenylbutazone.

Do not take Cupripen if you have any of the above conditions. If you are unsure, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cupripen, as this medication may worsen these problems.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use Cupripen if:

  • you are elderly
  • you are to undergo or have undergone surgery.
  • you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
  • you have liver or kidney problems
  • if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication (see section “Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility”).

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you present any of the conditions mentioned above. Your doctor will want to monitor the effect of the medication on you.

Special precautions for Cupripen treatment:

Penicillamine may cause severe birth defects. You should avoid becoming pregnant while using Cupripen and for at least six months and five days after completing treatment. See also section “Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility”.

Recommended follow-up tests and safety measures:

Even when Cupripen is administered at low doses, severe adverse effects can occur. To detect them in time, your doctor will need to perform blood tests and checks.

Before starting treatment with Cupripen:

You will have blood tests and urine tests. If you have any liver or kidney disease, your doctor will perform tests to check liver function and kidney function.

During treatment:

You will have the following tests at least once a week during the first two months of treatment and then every month:

• blood tests

• urine tests

Maintain the frequency of doses as indicated by your doctor to avoid the appearance of symptoms of poor tolerance.

Your doctor may prescribe pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) for prolonged treatments.

Other medications and Cupripen

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have taken recently, or may need to take any other medication.

Penicillamine may affect the mechanism of action of other medications or cause side effects. Therefore, it may be necessary to change the dose of the medication or discontinue concurrent treatment. If you are taking any of the following medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cupripen:

  • Aluminum or magnesium salts (medications used to treat heartburn)
  • Digoxin (a medication used to treat heart conditions)
  • Indomethacin (a medication used to treat pain)
  • Isoniazid (a medication used to treat tuberculosis)
  • Levodopa (a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease)
  • Iron salts (medications used to treat low iron levels or anemia)
  • Gold salts (a medication used to treat rheumatism)
  • Phenylbutazone or oxifenbutazone (medications used to treat pain and inflammation)
  • Antimalarials (medications used to treatmalaria)
  • Cytotoxics (medications used to treat cancer)

If you have any doubts about whether any of the medications you are taking are included in the above list, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cupripen.

Taking Cupripen with food and drinks

Take preferably on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, as food interferes with its absorption.

Pregnancy,breastfeeding, and fertility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, consultyour doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.

Pregnancy

Cupripen is not recommended during pregnancy.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Your doctor will decide if you can take Cupripen during this time.

Breastfeeding

The effects of Cupripen on breast milk are unknown.Therefore, it is not recommended to administer Cupripen during breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if you can take Cupripen during this time.

Male fertility

Penicillamine may be genotoxic, meaning it can cause genetic mutations. Therefore, you should avoid fathering a child or donating semen while taking Cupripen and for at least three months and five days after stopping treatment.

Driving and operating machinery

Cupripen is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines.

3. How to Take Cupripen

Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication as indicated by your doctor.This medicationindicated by your doctor.In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Administration Form

Cupripen is for oral use.

The groove is only for breaking the tablet if it is difficult to swallow it whole.

Dose

Your doctor will establish the appropriate dose for you and make any necessary adjustments, as dosing must be individualized.

Wilson's Disease

Adults

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take per day. The usual dose is 1500 to 2000 mg per day. Once you feel better, your doctor may reduce the dose to 750 to 1000 mg per day. It is not recommended to take a dose of 2000 mg per day for more than 12 months.

Use in elderly people

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and how often during the day. The dose will depend on your weight. The usual dose is 20 mg of penicillamine per day per kilogram of body weight. Your doctor will adjust the dose to the minimum necessary to control your disease.

Use in adolescents (12 to <18)

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take per day. The usual dose is 750 to 1000 mg per day.

Use in children (5 to <12)

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets the child should take and how often during the day. The dose will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 20 mg of penicillamine per day per kilogram of body weight, divided into two or three doses.

Patients with renal insufficiency

In patients with renal impairment, special precautions must be taken to control adverse effects.

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Adults (including elderly patients)

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take per day. The dose is 1000 to 1500 mg per day until your doctor tells you that the amount of heavy metals in your urine is normal. If treatment is prolonged, the dose should not exceed 40 mg per day per kilogram of body weight.

Use in children and adolescents (5 to <18)

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take per day. The dose will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 20 to 25 mg per day per kilogram of body weight. If necessary, a dose of 100 mg of penicillamine per day per kilogram of body weight can be administered up to a maximum dose of 1050 mg of penicillamine per day per kilogram of body weight.

Cystinuria

The dose must be adjusted individually, taking as parameters the amount of cystine excreted in urine.

Adults

If you are taking Cupripen to dissolve cystine stones, the dose is 1000 to 3000 mg per day, divided into several doses. If you are taking Cupripen to prevent the formation of cystine stones, the dose will be 500 to 1000 mg per day before bedtime, in this case, you should take a minimum of 3 liters of liquids per day.

Use in elderly people

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you, which should be the minimum to maintain cystine levels below 200 mg per liter of urine.

Use in children and adolescents (5 to <18)

The dose will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 20 to 30 mg per day per kilogram of body weight in two or three separate doses taken 1 hour before meals. Your doctor may change the dose based on the child's urine analysis results.

Patients with renal insufficiency

In patients with renal impairment at the start of treatment, initial doses lower than those recommended should be administered. Maintenance doses should be reviewed at least every 4 weeks.

If you take more Cupripen than you should

If you take more Cupripenthan you should, consult your doctor immediately.

If you forget to take Cupripen

Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed doses.

If you interrupt treatment with Cupripen

Do not stop or change treatment without telling your doctor, even if you feel better.If you have forgotten to take several doses, consult your doctor to determine the dosage schedule to follow until you reach your maintenance dose.

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicological Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20.

4. Possible Adverse Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

The frequency and severity of side effects will depend on the dose and frequency of administration. It is essential that your doctor performs regular check-ups, as severe side effects can occur even with low doses. Your doctor will perform tests to monitor abnormalities in the blood and changes in the kidneys and liver.

Frequent (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • nausea, loss of taste, bad taste, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
  • skin eruptions
  • skin redness (erythema)
  • itching
  • proteins in your urine (detected by a urine analysis)

Infrequent (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • ringing in the ears
  • loss of vision
  • muscle weakness, joint pain (arthralgia)
  • excessive protein loss in the urine (nephrotic syndrome)
  • inflammatory kidney disease (membranous glomerulonephritis)

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

  • diarrhea
  • decreased number of blood cells (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
  • mouth ulcers
  • hair loss
  • inflammation of lung tissue (pneumonitis)
  • bronchiolitis
  • yellow nail syndrome
  • inflammatory disease causing muscle weakness (polymyositis)
  • breast enlargement

Unknown (cannot be estimated from available data)

  • pseudoxanthoma elasticum (a connective tissue disease)
  • elastosis perforans (a skin disease)
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition causing joint pain, skin eruptions, and fever)
  • myasthenia gravis (a disease causing muscle weakness)

Reporting side effects

If you experience any type of side effect, consult your doctor, even if it is a possible side effect not listed in this prospectus. You can also report them directly through the Spanish System for Pharmacovigilance of Medicines for Human Use:www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Cupripen Storage

Keepthis medicationout of the sight and reach of children.

Store in the original packaging to protect it from moisture.

Do not use this medication after the expiration date shown on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Do not dispose of medications through drains or trash. Dispose of packaging and unusedmedications at the SIGRE collection pointat the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of packaging and unused medications. By doing so, you will help protect the environment.

6. Content of the packaging and additional information

Composition of Cupripen 50 mg tablets:

  • The active ingredient is penicilamine. Each Cupripen tablet contains 50 mg of penicilamine.
  • The other components are: Calcium phosphate dibasic, Cornstarch, Magnesium stearate.

Appearance of the product and content of the packaging

Cupripen 50 mg tablets:

Round, flat, tablets with a central groove, white in color.

Presented in a package containing 30 tablets.

Holder of the marketing authorization and responsible for manufacturing

Laboratorios Rubió, S. A.

C/ Industria, 29

Polígono Industrial Comte de Sert

08755 Castellbisbal – Barcelona

Spain

Date of the last review of this leaflet:10/2023.

The detailed information of this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) (http://www.aemps.gob.es/)

Country of registration
Active substance
Prescription required
Yes
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed doctor before taking any medication. Oladoctor is not responsible for medical decisions based on this content.

Talk to a doctor online

Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.

5.01 review
Doctor

Anna Moret

Dermatology18 years of experience

Dr. Anna Moret is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatovenereologist. She specialises in adult and pediatric dermatology, venereology, aesthetic skin care, and general medicine. Her consultations are evidence-based and tailored to each patient’s dermatological needs.

Dr. Moret provides expert evaluation and treatment for: • Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis • Hair and scalp issues including hair loss, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis • Pediatric skin problems — from newborns to adolescents • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and dermatovenereology • Aesthetic concerns: skin ageing, non-invasive cosmetic treatments • Skin allergies and hypersensitivity reactions • Mole checks, lesion evaluation, and skin cancer screening • Skincare advice and personalised cosmeceutical routines

Combining dermatology with general medical knowledge, Dr. Moret offers comprehensive care that addresses both skin health and underlying conditions. She also holds certification from the Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine, ensuring an internationally aligned approach to aesthetic dermatology.

Book a video appointment
5.01 review
Doctor

Alina Tsurkan

Family Medicine12 years of experience

Dr. Alina Tsurkan is a licensed family medicine doctor based in Portugal. She provides personalised primary care for both adults and children, helping patients manage a wide range of everyday health concerns with professionalism and attention to detail.

Dr. Tsurkan diagnoses and treats common conditions such as: • Respiratory infections (cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia) • Eye conditions: conjunctivitis (infectious and allergic) • ENT problems (sinusitis, ear infections, tonsillitis) • Digestive issues including gastritis, acid reflux, and IBS • Urinary tract infections and other frequent infections • Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders • Headaches and migraines

In addition to symptom-based care, Dr. Tsurkan focuses on prevention and early detection. She offers regular health check-ups, follow-up care, and medical prescriptions tailored to each patient’s needs.

With a comprehensive and caring approach, Dr. Tsurkan supports patients at every stage of life — from acute illnesses to long-term health management.

Book a video appointment
5.09 reviews
Doctor

Andrei Popov

General Medicine6 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a licensed pain management specialist and general practitioner based in Spain. He provides expert online care for adults dealing with both chronic and acute pain, as well as a wide range of everyday health concerns.

He specialises in diagnosing and treating pain conditions that affect quality of life, including: • Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months • Migraines and recurring headaches • Neck, back, lower back, and joint pain • Post-traumatic pain following injury or surgery • Nerve-related pain, fibromyalgia, and neuralgia In addition to pain management, Dr. Popov helps patients with: • Respiratory infections (colds, bronchitis, pneumonia) • High blood pressure and metabolic conditions such as diabetes • Preventive care and routine health check-ups

Online consultations last up to 30 minutes and include a detailed symptom review, personalised treatment planning, and medical follow-up when needed.

Dr. Popov’s approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine, combined with individualised care tailored to each patient’s history, lifestyle, and clinical needs.

Book a video appointment
5.01 review
Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General Surgery11 years of experience

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain, with a diverse clinical background in general and pediatric surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. With a strong focus on both practice and research, he provides comprehensive medical consultations for adults and children, covering both surgical and therapeutic needs.

Dr. Yakovenko offers expert care in the following areas: • Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain • Pre- and postoperative care, including risk assessment and follow-up • Surgical conditions such as hernias, gallbladder disease, and appendicitis • Pediatric surgery consultations, including congenital conditions and minor procedures • Trauma care: fractures, soft tissue injuries, and wound management • Oncological surgery consultation and post-treatment care • Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (internal medicine) • Orthopedic concerns and post-trauma rehabilitation • Radiological interpretation for surgical planning

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Yakovenko actively participates in medical research and international collaboration. He is a member of the German Surgeons Association (BDC), affiliated with the General Practitioners Association of Las Palmas, and works with the German Consulate in the Canary Islands. He regularly attends international medical conferences and has authored scientific publications.

With over a decade of multidisciplinary experience, Dr. Yakovenko delivers precise, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Book a video appointment
See all doctors

Stay informed and save on care

Get health tips, platform updates, and exclusive promos for subscribers.

Follow us on social media