Cuvrior

Cuvrior is used to treat Wilson's disease, which is a rare genetic condition that leads to high levels of copper in the body.

Your doctor will decide which brand of trientine is the best treatment option for you.

Cuvrior is given when other treatments are not effective or have failed.

Cuvrior may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Cuvrior is usually taken twice and up to four times per day. You may need to take several capsules or tablets to get your full dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or dissolve it. If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may split it in half and take it right away. Do not store any tablet for later use after removing it from the package. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Your blood will need to be tested before and during treatment with Cuvrior, and you may need other medical tests. Your doctor will need to check your progress regularly.

You may be given other medications to help treat certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a fever or rash. You may need to take your temperature every night for the first month of treatment with Cuvrior.

Store the capsules tightly closed in their original container. Some Cuvrior capsule brand forms are stored in the refrigerator. Others are stored at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist how to properly store these medicine capsules.

Store the tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in the blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use Cuvrior if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• high levels of cystine (an amino acid) in urine;
• a mineral deficiency (iron, zinc, magnesium, or others);
• trouble swallowing;
• a neurologic disorder or disease; or
• liver disease (especially if you have biliary cirrhosis).

It is not known if Cuvrior will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having Wilson's disease during pregnancy can cause complications or medical problems for both mother and baby. The benefit of treating Wilson's disease may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Cuvrior.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cuvrior can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• fever or skin rash, even if it's mild;
• signs of copper deficiency—weakness, confusion, loss of balance or coordination, numbness, tingling, weight loss;
• low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• lupus-like symptoms—muscle or joint pain, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that gets worse in sunlight.

Your treatment may be stopped permanently if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of Cuvrior may include:

• stomach pain, changes in bowel habits;
• mood changes; or
• rash, hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Ask your doctor before taking a mineral supplement (iron, zinc, magnesium, and others), and take only the type your doctor recommends.

If this medication gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.

Take your Cuvrior dose 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any iron supplement or medication.

You will also need to take your Cuvrior dose at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking other mineral supplements (zinc, magnesium, calcium, and others).

Avoid taking any other medication by mouth within 1 hour before or after you take Cuvrior.

Other drugs may affect Cuvrior, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.