Syprine Effective at Managing Copper Levels in Wilson's Disease Patients

For adults who live with the rare inherited metabolic disorder known as Wilson's disease, there are many health complications that may arise. Because Wilson's disease impairs the body's natural ability to manage and eliminate copper levels, it is important that this condition be diagnosed and effectively managed early in life.

While many Wilson's disease patients are diagnosed in early childhood, the treatment used to manage the copper level abnormalities is a process that must be modified and adjusted throughout the course of life. Because, with time, there are changes to the liver, different medications will work to manage copper levels at varying times of your life.

When considering medications to aid in the management of your copper levels, as a Wilson's disease patient, your physician may prescribe a drug known as Syprine. With a low copper diet, the use of Syprine is quite effective at binding to the copper and promoting natural excretion. If you are an adult who is in need of a new approach to your management of Wilson's disease, your physician will most likely start Syprine at the adult dosing level of 750 milligrams per day with increases, as needed. After six months of use, you should experience an improvement in your copper levels and, when necessary, this dosing can be increased to manage any complications that may arise.

As with any FDA approved drug, the use of Syprine in the management of Wilson's disease, does not come without side effects. Side effects most commonly experienced include abdominal pain, anemia, stomach pain, flaking of the skin, and the development of cirrhosis of the liver. However, with Wilson's disease, any of these complications may arise due to abnormal copper levels. It is important, therefore, to consult with your physician when these side effects arise as they may provide insight into the need to adjust your dosing levels.

For women who are pregnant, the use of Syprine is not recommended. As a category C drug, Syprine may cause some complications during pregnancy. However, for many women who are diagnosed with Wilson's disease, pregnancy is generally ill-advised.

Wilson's disease is a life threatening health complication that can affect the liver adversely. Because copper levels are hard to manage in Wilson's disease patients, the use of prescription medications, in collaboration with a low-copper diet, is important. If you are living with Wilson's disease, ask your physician about the use of Syprine as a viable option for the management of your copper levels.