Why do I need a vitamin B6 supplement while on penicillamine?

If you are taking penicillamine, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin B6 supplement, also called pyridoxine. Penicillamine acts as a chelating agent, which may reduce levels of vitamin B6. Taking pyridoxine will help keep your vitamin B6 levels normal. If you take this supplement, you should not take it within two hours of taking penicillamine. Taken too close together, they can interact and reduce effectiveness.