Treatment of Wilson disease

Wilson disease is a very treatable condition. With proper therapy, disease progress can be halted and often times symptoms can be improved. Treatment is aimed at removing excess accumulated copper and preventing its reaccumulation. Treatment for Wilson disease is a lifelong process. Patients may become progressively sicker from day to day, so immediate treatment can be critical. Treatment delays may cause irreversible damage.

Chelation therapy drugs approved for treating Wilson disease include penicillamine (Cuprimine® and Depen®), trientine dihydrocholoride (Syprine®) and trientine tetrahydrochoride (Cuvrior®). These drugs act by chelation or binding of copper, causing its increased urinary excretion.

Zinc acetate is approved for treating Wilson disease under the brand names (Galzin®) in the U.S. and (Wilzin®) in Europe. Zinc acts by inducing metallothionein and blocking the absorption of copper in the intestinal tract. This action both depletes accumulated copper and prevents its reaccumulation.

Patients with severe hepatitis or liver failure may require a liver transplant. Patients being investigated or treated for Wilson disease should be cared for by specialists in Wilson disease or by specialists in consultation with their primary physicians. Stopping treatment completely will result in death, sometimes as quickly as within three months. Decreasing dosage of medications also can result in unnecessary disease progression.

Wilson disease is treatable with effective, safe medications leading to a normal life expectancy. Routine monitoring and staying on medication ae both critical to a patient’s long-term health. However, medication adherence is difficult in patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. These patients often do not see a cause and effect relationship.

Patient assistance programs are available for Wilson disease patients taking Cuvrior, Cuprimine, Syprine and Galzin. These programs provide information on getting prescriptions or assistance in covering the cost of the medication. Details can be found here: https://wilsondisease.org/living-with-wilson-disease/patient-assistance/

Low Cost Generic Chelator Options

Cost Plus Drug Company is providing generic Syprine (the generic is called trientine) and generic Cuprimine (the generic is called penicillamine) at a low cost.  Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will manufacture and supply the medications to Cost Plus Drug Company.

To find out more about this option for buying trientine or penicillamine, please go to https://www.costplusdrugs.com/.  Also see the Cost Plus Drug Company FAQ here   https://costplusdrugs.com/faq/.

To get a prescription filled for either of these medications, please go to https://costplusdrugs.com/medications/categories/wilson-disease/.  The cost of trientine can be found here https://costplusdrugs.com/medications/trientine-hcl-250mg-capsule/ . The cost of penicillamine can be found here https://costplusdrugs.com/medications/penicillamine-250mg-capsule/

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Zinc Options

Gluzin™ Pharmaceutical Grade Zinc’s active ingredient is Zinc Gluconate (also called zincum gluconium) which is zinc salt that provides a good source of Zinc mineral. There are many types of zinc salt, but Zinc Gluconate is known to be more soluble than other zinc salts, and friendlier to the stomach.

Gluzin™ has been formulated with minimum fillers to help reduce allergic reactions. For more information on Gluzin™, please go to www.extremeV.com or email us at info@extremeV.com.  For information on how to receive a 15% discount for Wilson Disease Association members go to: www.gluzin.com or to order go here.

Donations

Why Your Donation Matters

Your donation to the Wilson Disease Association does more than keep the lights on—it powers education, awareness and action. With your support, we’re able to maintain vital resources like this website, produce trusted educational materials, fund critical research and host events that bring together patients, caregivers and medical professionals. Most importantly, your generosity helps raise awareness so more people are diagnosed earlier and treated effectively—giving them the best chance at a full, healthy life.

When you give, you’re not just supporting an organization—you’re joining a powerful movement to change the future of Wilson disease. You’ll stay informed about the latest in research and treatment, gain access to exclusive webinars and educational resources, and remain connected to a global community that understands. For more than 40 years, our shared commitment has fueled advances in care, deepened understanding, and amplified the voices of those affected by Wilson disease. Together, we’re building a stronger, more informed future.

WILSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION

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