What should I avoid while taking penicillamine?

You may need to avoid certain medications while taking penicillamine. For example, some medications may alter the effectiveness of penicillamine or increase your risk for serious side effects. These medications include antacids, anti-malarial medications, some cancer treatments, cytoxic medications, digoxin, iron and aurothioglucose. You should avoid taking penicillamine with food. This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. You may need to avoid taking vitamin supplements that contain iron, or avoid taking these supplements within two hours of taking penicillamine. Penicillamine may cause birth defects, and you should avoid getting pregnant if you are currently taking this medication.