What are the adverse reactions of Trientine?

Trientine(Trientine) is a metal chelating agent used to treat Wilson's disease (rare disease). It helps reduce excessive accumulation of copper in the body and relieves the symptoms of Wilson's disease. Although trientine works well in most patients, like other medications, it can cause some adverse effects. Understanding these potential side effects can help patients take necessary monitoring and preventive measures when using medications.

1. Common adverse reactions. Common side effects of trientine include:

1) Gastrointestinal reactions: such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These side effects are more common when treatment is started and usually lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. To reduce these discomforts, patients can take the medication after meals or discuss adjusting the dosage with their doctor.

2) Headache: Some patients will experience headache when using trientine, which is usually mild and does not require special treatment. However, if the headache persists or worsens, patients should report it to their doctor.

3) Fatigue and weakness: During treatment, a few patients may feel abnormal fatigue and weakness. This may be a side effect of the medication or may be related to Wilson's disease itself.

2. Rare adverse reactions. Trientine may also cause some rare adverse reactions, including:

1) Abnormal liver function: Although the main function of trientine is to help remove copper from the body, in a small number of patients, the drug may cause abnormal liver function, manifested by elevated transaminases. Liver function abnormalities are usually reversible, but when they occur, patients need to stop taking the drug and have their liver function monitored.

2) Skin allergic reactions: A small number of patients may experience rashes or other allergic reactions. If symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, blisters or itching occur, patients should seek medical attention immediately.

3) Anemia: Trientine may interfere with iron absorption, leading to the occurrence of anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale complexion, and rapid heartbeat. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB06824