Wilson's Disease
Are There Side Effects From Medications for Wilson's Disease?
D-penicillamine can cause serious side effects such as fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymph nodes), bone marrow suppression, worsening of neurological symptoms and birth defects. Trientine is considered to be a safer alternative to D-penicillamine because it has fewer or milder side effects. While advocated for its lower toxic profile, long term safety and efficacy of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate is unknown.
References
American Liver Foundation “Wilson Disease” http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/wilson/. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Mayo Clinic “Wilson’s Disease” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wilsons-disease/DS00411. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Medline Plus “Wilson Disease” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/wilsondisease.html. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Medscape Today “Wilson’s Disease: Treatment and Management” http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543866_6. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Natural Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke “Wilson’s Disease” http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/wilsons/wilsons.htm. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Palmer, M.D., Melissa. Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease. New York: Avery Trade, 2004
Worman, M.D. Howard J. The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill, 2006