Tiopronin - Oral

Tiopronin is used to help prevent kidney stones when drinking plenty of fluids, following diet changes, or taking other medicines is not enough.

Take Tiopronin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as an immediate-release or delayed-release tablet.

If you are taking the immediate-release tablet, take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

If you are taking the delayed-release tablet, you may take it with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may crush one tablet and mix it with applesauce until the powder is well dispersed. Take it right away or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. After taking the mixture, add tap water to the mixture container and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.

Try to take Tiopronin tablet at the same time each day.

Tiopronin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine)
• history of severe reaction to penicillamine (medicine for heavy metal poisoning)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tiopronin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney and liver function, urine tests, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs of infections and symptoms of kidney or digestive problems may also be needed.

Tiopronin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of taste, mouth ulcers, change in taste, diarrhoea, tiredness, fever, and muscle pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
• signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder) e.g. drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech, weakness in the arms or legs
• fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, throat, nose, or genitals that may be itchy or painful
• signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth

This medicine may cause the level of your white blood cells and platelets to drop.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.

Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake and adhere to the recommended diet prescribed by your doctor to increase urine volume and lower cystine (certain amino acid) levels while you are being treated with Tiopronin.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.