Treatment of Wilson disease
Wilson disease is a very treatable condition. With proper therapy, disease progress can be halted and oftentimes 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®) and trientine (Syprine® and Trientine Dihydrochloride) Both of these drugs act by chelation or binding of copper, causing its increased urinary excretion.
Mettalothionein inducer drugs approved for treating Wilson disease are (Galzin™) in the U.S. and (Wilzin®) in Europe. Zinc acts by blocking the absorption of copper in the intestinal tract. This action both depletes accumulated copper and prevents its reaccumulation. Zinc's effectiveness has been shown by more than 30 years of considerable experience overseas. A major advantage of zinc therapy is its lack of side effects.
Patients with severe hepatitis or liver failure may require 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.
Taking your medicine as prescribed is extremely critical to the success of Wilson disease treatment. One of the advantages of having WD is that it is VERY treatable with effective, safe medications leading to a normal life expectancy . . . IF . . . you faithfully take your medications, as prescribed, LIFELONG. There are varying reasons for non-adherence in patients with WD and your physician has probably heard them all. Adherence is especially difficult in patients who were asymptomatic as diagnosis. These patients often do not see a cause and effect relationship..
A note about an interruption in the supply of Galzin.
Patient Assistance Programs
Bausch U.S. Patient Assistance Program for Cuprimine and Syprine: WD Rx Access
You can find more information on http://www.wdrxaccess.com
It is important to know that patients need to re-enroll every year for patient assistance.
If you are on Medicare and using Galzin
If your claim for Galzin is rejected here is a sample appeal letter your doctor can use to help you deal with Medicare.
Patient assistance outside of the US
There is now a generic Trientine available in Canada through the SAP. Here is a link to the form.
Trientine is approved for distribution in Canada. It was approved for MARCAN Pharmaceuticals Inc on Nov 10, 2020 -- DIN#02504855 --250 MG Trientine Hydrochloride capsule.It is on the market and the patient or physician should check with their Pharmacy to see if it is available in their area
The WDA has partnered with MAP International and Bausch to support an international medication assistance program for Cuprimine® and Syprine®. Limited amounts of these medications are generously donated by Bausch and shipped, at the request of the WDA, by MAP International. Shipping costs for this valuable program are covered by the WDA. To apply for this program please contact Mary Graper at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The WDA has also formed a partnership with Univar Ltd. for the compassionate use of Trientine Dihydrochloride. Again, limited amounts of this medication are generously donated and shipped by Univar, at the request of the WDA. This valuable program is completely free to the WDA since Univar also generously donates shipping costs.
