penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis
Last reviewed 01/2018
- effective in approximately 60% of patients within 3 months of commencing treatment (effective in 70% within 6 months)
- adults: usual starting dose is 125 mg per day orally (seek expert advice before prescribing)
- side effects in about 60% of patients - these will be sufficient to withdraw from penicillamine treatment in about 30% of patients
- monitor monthly FBC, platelets, renal function, urine for protein
- if a patient tolerates penicillamine, and it is effective, then treatment should be maintained at the lowest possible dose for as long as the RA is active
- penicillamine may also be used in patients with connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma
pre-treatment screening for penicillamine
monitoring penicillamine therapy
clinical adverse events on penicillamine