Follow your doctor's advice about how much and when to take your medicine. If you're having problems with the drug, call your doctor. He or she may be able to change your dosage schedule or the type of drug to better suit your needs. Take these warnings seriously. However, spicy and acidic foods may cause additional stomach upset, and food in the stomach and intestines can make a drug such as penicillamine less effective.
Food can also slow down or speed up the medicine's effect on the body.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether or not to take your medicine with food. Be careful of drinking alcohol, which can increase or decrease a drug's effects. If the medication causes stomach upset, adding alcohol can increase the discomfort. It may be best to reduce your alcohol intake or to stop altogether. Know what benefits to expect and when they are likely to occur.