Cilamin 250mg relieves the pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It is given when other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis have not worked. Cilamin contains the active ingredient penicillamine, which belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These drugs reduce the body’s response and, thus, relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Penicillamine is also a chelating agent, which means it can adhere to certain metals in your body, including copper, and lead, to help remove them from your body. It is prescribed to adults and children with:

   — Serious, active rheumatoid arthritis, including Still’s disease in children

   — Wilson’s disease (a medical condition where the body is unable to get rid of copper properly)

   — Cystinuria (a kidney disease)

   — Lead poisoning

Cilamin is used in the treatment of adults with chronic active hepatitis, which is a type of liver disease. It is not painkillers, so do not expect to feel better immediately. After a few weeks, you will find your joints are less stiff and painful.

Always take Cilamin 250 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts about using this medicine. Your doctor will regularly conduct blood tests, especially when you begin taking this antirheumatic drug and when your dose is increased. These are required to check for changes in your blood cell count and to look for blood or protein in your urine. Cilamin is not recommended for treating active chronic hepatitis in the elderly. Swallow the tablet with a glass full of water. Always take the tablet at least thirty minutes before a meal or bedtime. If you are taking antacids, iron tablets, or digoxin, take them at least two hours before or after taking Cilamin.

Do not take Cilamin 250 if you are allergic to Penicillamine or any other ingredients of this medicine. You should not take this antirheumatic drug if you have ever had granulocytosis (reduction in the number of white blood cells). Avoid taking it if you have ever had a severe reduction in blood cells which can cause bruising, weakness, or make infections that are more likely to develop. You should not be taking Penicillamine if you suffer from kidney disease, thrombocytopenia (a blood disorder), and erythematosus (an allergic condition which causes skin rashes. If any of the above applies to you, or if you have any doubt, speak to your doctor before you take Cilamin.   

Speak to your doctor before taking the antirheumatic drug, particularly if any of the following applies to you if you have :

   — Ever had side effects from gold-containing medication, or are you currently taking medicines containing gold.

   — Blood in the urine

   — Protein in your urine

   — Leukopenia (a blood disease which increases the likeliness of an infection

   — Are an elderly

Penicillamine may increase your risk of side effects if you also take medicines, including:

   — Gold (to treat rheumatoid arthritis)

   — Clozapine to treat schizophrenia as taking Cilamin with clozapine can increase the side effects on the bone marrow.

   — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are used to treat arthritis and relieve pain. These drugs may increase the risk of damaging your kidneys.

Contact your doctor immediately if any side effects become bothersome or persist for longer.

1. Common side effects include nose bleeds, bleeding gums, and bruising more easily and often. These may be symptoms of a blood disorder called thrombocytopenia.

2. Rare side effects include chest pain, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, sudden wheeziness, and sudden swelling.