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Trientine is used to treat Wilson’s disease, a condition which causes copper buildup in the body. Common side effects may include stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, rash, hair loss, mood swings, and iron deficiency. Serious side effects include worsening of symptoms.

Uses

What is trientine used for?

Trientine is commonly used to treat Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic condition that causes a build up of copper in the body.

Trientine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does trientine work (mechanism of action)?

Trientine works by binding to copper in your body, forming compounds called chelates. Your body gets rid of the chelates when you pee. This helps lower your copper levels.

How is trientine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Clovique
  • Cuvrior
  • Syprine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral capsules
  • 500 mg oral capsules
  • 300 mg oral tablets

How should I store trientine?

Oral Tablets. Trientine tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not remove the tablets from the blister pack until it is time to take them.

Oral Capsules. Trientine capsules should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of trientine?

The most common side effects of trientine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stomach pain
  • Changes in bowel (pooping) habits
  • Rash
  • Hair loss
  • Mood swings
  • Iron deficiency (see below)

There may be other side effects of trientine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of trientine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of trientine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trientine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking trientine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Worsening of Symptoms. Trientine may cause worsening of the symptoms of Wilson’s disease at the beginning of the treatment. Monitor your symptoms and tell your health care provider if they seem to be worsening after starting trientine.

Copper or Iron Deficiency. Trientine may cause copper or iron deficiency. People who have menstrual periods or are pregnant may be at a higher risk of iron deficiency. A low copper diet, which may be recommended in patients with Wilson’s disease, may increase the risk of iron deficiency. Tell your health care provider if you notice the following symptoms of copper or iron deficiency. 

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Movement problems, trouble walking as you usually would

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use trientine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take trientine.

  • Clovique
  • Cuvrior
  • Syprine
  • Trientine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific trientine products they stock.

What should I know about trientine before using it?

Do not take trientine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share trientine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep trientine out of the reach of children. Since trientine capsules should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Do not crush, chew, or dissolve trientine tablets. They should be swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, you can cut the tablet in half along the scored line. 

Do not open or chew the trientine capsules. They should be swallowed whole. 

While you are taking trientine, your health care provider may do certain tests to make sure that trientine is safe for you to take. Keep all appointments, including those for lab tests, while you are taking this medicine. 

Your health care provider may prescribe or recommend certain supplements as needed to reduce the risks of certain side effects while you are taking trientine. Make sure you adhere to the full prescribed regimen and follow any instructions provided.

What should I tell my health care provider before using trientine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if trientine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Trientine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking trientine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how trientine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if trientine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take trientine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does trientine interact with foods or drinks?

You should take trientine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal. It should also be separated from drinking milk by at least one hour. These things help make sure you absorb enough of the medicine so it can work well.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect trientine. 

Does trientine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any product that contains minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. 

Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, trientine should be taken at least one hour apart from any other medicine you take by mouth. This helps trientine work better. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with trientine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much trientine?

If you or someone else has used too much trientine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of trientine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.