Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Mar-Trientine
What is MAR-Trientine used for?
MAR-Trientine is used for the treatment of Wilson’s disease. It is used in patients who cannot take the drug penicillamine.
Wilson’s disease is a condition where there is too much copper stored in the body.
How does MAR-Trientine work?
MAR-Trientine works by attaching to the copper, and then passing it from your body. MAR-Trientine may also work by attaching to the copper in your stomach and stopping it from being absorbed.
What are the ingredients in MAR-Trientine?
Medicinal ingredients: trientine hydrochloride
Non-medicinal ingredients: black ink, colloidal silicon dioxide, gelatin, iron oxide red, iron
Serious Warnings and Precautions
MAR-Trientine will only be given to you under the care of a doctor who is experienced in the treatment of Wilson’s disease. Starting treatment with MAR-Trientine may result in permanent worsening of your existing nervous system problems. If you experience any worsening of the following symptoms while taking MAR-Trientine, stop taking the drug and get immediate medical help:
Your doctor will monitor your response for these symptoms for the first few months when you start taking MAR-Trientine. |
|---|
oxide yellow, sodium lauryl sulphate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide.
MAR-Trientine comes in the following dosage forms:
MAR-Trientine is available as 250 mg capsules.
Do not use MAR-Trientine if:
- You are allergic to trientine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in this drug or the container.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take MAR-Trientine. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have breathing problems such as asthma or bronchitis (swelling of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs).
- have dermatitis (red and itchy dry skin)
- have anemia (low iron in your blood)
are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant
- are breast feeding
Other warnings you should know about
Monitoring and Testing
Your healthcare professional will order lab tests for you during your treatment. This will help determine copper levels in your body and how your body responds to the treatment with MAR-Trientine.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with MAR-Trientine:
- Mineral and iron supplements
How to take MAR-Trientine:
- Take MAR-Trientine exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you.
Take MAR-Trientine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
- Take MAR-Trientine at least 1 hour apart from any other drug, food, or milk.
- Swallow the capsules whole with water, and do not open or chew the capsules.
- Touching the contents of the MAR-Trientine capsules may cause your skin to become red and itchy. Wash your hands with water if you accidentally touch the contents of the MAR-Trientine capsules.
Usual dose:
Adults: the starting dose is 3 capsules per day (750 mg / day) given in divided doses 2 – 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 8 capsules a day (2,000 mg / day).
Children and Adolescents (5 – 17 years old): the starting dose is 2 capsules per day (500 mg / day) given in divided doses 2 – 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 6 capsules a day (1,500 mg / day) for patients 12 years old or under.
Overdose:
| If you think you have taken too much MAR-Trientine, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you missed a dose of MAR-Trientine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or very close to each other.
What are possible side effects from using MAR-Trientine?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking MAR-Trientine. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Rash
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| UNCOMMON | |||
| Duodenitis and/or colitis (bowel inflammation): nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, fever | √ | ||
| RARE | |||
| Anemia (low levels of red blood cells): pale skin, feeling tired or weak, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat | √ | ||
| UNKNOWN | |||
| Neurological deterioration | √ | ||
(nervous system problems): symptoms include:
|
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Keep container tightly closed. Store at 15° to 30°C. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about MAR-Trientine:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php); or by contacting the sponsor, Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canada, at: 1-855-627-2261.
Date of Preparation: September 14, 2020