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Thiola EC

Generic: tiopronin

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Travere
NDC
0178-0901
RxCUI
2178075
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
E72.04

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About Thiola EC

What is this medication?

Thiola EC is a prescription medication used to prevent the formation of cystine kidney stones in adults and pediatric patients who weigh at least 20 kilograms. This medication is specifically indicated for individuals with a genetic condition called severe homozygous cystinuria. It is typically prescribed when other management strategies, such as significantly increasing fluid intake or modifying the diet, have not been effective enough at controlling stone formation.

The active ingredient in this medication works by reacting with cystine in the kidneys to form a more soluble compound. By binding with cystine, it lowers the concentration of free cystine in the urine that can crystallize and develop into painful stones. This process helps reduce the frequency of kidney stone episodes in patients living with this chronic condition. The enteric-coated formulation is designed to release the medication after it passes through the stomach.

Copay & patient assistance

  • Patient Copay Amount: Not Publicly Available
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit: Not Publicly Available
  • Core Eligibility Restrictions:
  • Valid for patients with commercial or private insurance.
  • Must be a US resident.
  • Not valid for patients insured by a federal or state government-funded health plan, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
  • Not valid for uninsured patients.
  • Void where prohibited by law.
  • RxBIN, PCN, and Group numbers: Not Publicly Available

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Thiola EC. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Oct 7, 2025

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE THIOLA EC is indicated, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in adults and pediatric patients 20 kg and greater with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone. THIOLA EC is a reducing and complexing thiol indicated, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in adults and pediatric patients 20 kg and greater with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended initial dosage in adult patients is 800 mg/day. In clinical studies, the average dosage was about 1,000 mg/day. ( 2.1 ) The recommended initial dosage in pediatric patients 20 kg and greater is 15 mg/kg/day. Avoid dosages greater than 50 mg/kg per day in pediatric patients. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) Measure urinary cystine 1 month after initiation of THIOLA EC and every 3 months thereafter ( 2.3 ) Administer THIOLA EC in 3 divided doses at the same times each day, with or without food. Maintain a routine pattern with regard to meals. ( 2.1 ) THIOLA EC can be crushed and mixed with applesauce. For preparation and administration instructions, see the full prescribing information. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Adults : The recommended initial dosage in adult patients is 800 mg/day. In clinical studies, the average dosage was about 1,000 mg/day. Pediatrics : The recommended initial dosage in pediatric patients weighing 20 kg and greater is 15 mg/kg/day. Avoid dosages greater than 50 mg/kg per day in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Administer THIOLA EC in 3 divided doses at the same times each day, with or without food. Maintain a routine pattern with regard to meals. Consider starting THIOLA EC at a lower dosage in patients with history of severe toxicity to d-penicillamine. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions For patients who cannot swallow the tablet whole, THIOLA EC can be crushed and mixed with applesauce. Administration of THIOLA EC with other liquids or foods has not been studied and is not recommended. Preparation and Administration of THIOLA EC Mixed in Applesauce For patients who can swallow semi-solid food, THIOLA EC can be crushed and mixed with applesauce: Crush the THIOLA EC tablet in a clean pill crusher or mortar and pestle. Always crush one tablet at a time. Measure approximately one tablespoon of applesauce and transfer it into a container with the crushed THIOLA EC tablet. Mix the crushed THIOLA EC tablet in the applesauce until the powder is well dispersed. Administer the entire THIOLA EC-applesauce mixture to the patient’s mouth immediately. (However, if this is not possible, the mixture can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2 hours after adding the crushed tablet to the applesauce. Discard any mixture that has not been given within 2 hours.) To assure that any leftover applesauce mixture from the container is recovered, add tap water to the same container, mix, and have the patient drink the water. 2.3 Monitoring Measure urinary cystine 1 month after starting THIOLA EC and every 3 months thereafter. Adjust THIOLA EC dosage to maintain urinary cystine concentration less than 250 mg/L. Assess for proteinuria before treatment and every 3 to 6 months during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Discontinue THIOLA EC in patients who develop proteinuria, and monitor urinary protein and renal function. Consider restarting THIOLA EC treatment at a lower dosage after resolution of proteinuria.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS THIOLA EC is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tiopronin or any other components of THIOLA EC [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Hypersensitivity to tiopronin or any component of THIOLA EC ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, has been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria. ( 2.1 , 5.1 , 8.4 ) Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during tiopronin treatment. ( 4 , 5.2 ) 5.1 Proteinuria Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, have been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria. [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 ) Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Monitor patients for the development of proteinuria and discontinue therapy in patients who develop proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (drug fever, rash, fever, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy) have been reported [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Alcohol Tiopronin is released faster from THIOLA EC in the presence of alcohol and the risk for adverse events associated with THIOLA EC when taken with alcohol is unknown. Avoid alcohol consumption 2 hours before and 3 hours after taking THIOLA EC [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are nausea, diarrhea or soft stools, oral ulcers, rash, fatigue, fever, arthralgia, proteinuria, and emesis. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at toll-free phone # 1-800-298-1087 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of the drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥5% in an uncontrolled trial in 66 patients with cystinuria age 9 to 68 years are shown in the table below. Patients in group 1 had previously been treated with d-penicillamine; those in group 2 had not. Of those patients who had stopped taking d-penicillamine due to toxicity (34 out of 49 patients in group 1), 22 were able to continue treatment with THIOLA. In those without prior history of d-penicillamine treatment, 6% developed reactions of sufficient severity to require THIOLA withdrawal. Table 1 presents adverse reactions ≥5% in either treatment group occurring in this trial. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in One or More Patients System Organ Class Adverse Reaction Group 1 Previously treated with d‑penicillamine (N = 49) Group 2 Naïve to d‑penicillamine (N = 17) Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders anemia 1 (2%) 1 (6%) Gastrointestinal Disorders nausea 12 (25%) 2 (12%) emesis 5 (10%) – diarrhea/soft stools 9 (18%) 1 (6%) abdominal pain – 1 (6%) oral ulcers 6 (12%) 3 (18%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions fever 4 (8%) – weakness 2 (4%) 2 (12%) fatigue 7 (14%) – peripheral (edema) 3 (6%) 1 (6%) chest pain – 1 (6%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders anorexia 4 (8%) – Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders arthralgia – 2 (12%) Renal and Urinary Disorders proteinuria 5 (10%) 1 (6%) impotence – 1 (6%) Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders cough – 1 (6%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders rash 7 (14%) 2 (12%) ecchymosis 3 (6%) – pruritus 2 (4%) 1 (6%) urticaria 4 (8%) – skin wrinkling 3 (6%) 1 (6%) Taste Disturbance A reduction in taste perception may develop. It is believed to be the result of chelation of trace metals by tiopronin. Hypogeusia is often self-limited. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse reactions have been reported from the literature, as well as during post-approval use of THIOLA. Because the post-approval reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to THIOLA exposure. Adverse reactions reported during the postmarketing use of THIOLA are listed by body system in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported for THIOLA Pharmacovigilance by System Organ Class and Preferred Term System Organ Class Preferred Term Cardiac Disorders congestive heart failure Ear and Labyrinth Disorder vertigo Gastrointestinal Disorders abdominal discomfort; abdominal distension; abdominal pain; chapped lips; diarrhea; dry mouth; dyspepsia; eructation; flatulence; gastrointestinal disorder; gastroesophageal reflux disease; nausea; vomiting; jaundice; liver transaminitis General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions asthenia; chest pain; fatigue; malaise; pain; peripheral swelling; pyrexia; swelling Investigations glomerular filtration rate decreased; weight increased Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders decreased appetite; dehydration; hypophagia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders arthralgia; back pain; flank pain; joint swelling; limb discomfort; musculoskeletal discomfort; myalgia; neck pain; pain in extremity Nervous System Disorders ageusia; burning sensation; dizziness; dysgeusia; headache; hypoesthesia Renal and Urinary Disorders nephrotic syndrome; proteinuria; renal failure Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders dry skin; hyperhidrosis; pemphigus foliaceus; pruritus; rash; rash pruritic; skin irritation; skin texture abnormal; skin wrinkling; urticaria
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available published case report data with tiopronin have not identified a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Renal stones in pregnancy may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with oral administration of tiopronin to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 2 times a 2 grams/day human dose (based on mg/m 2 ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Renal stones in pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Data Animal Data No findings of fetal malformations could be attributed to the drug in reproduction studies in mice and rats at doses up to 2 times the highest recommended human dose of 2 grams/day (based on mg/m 2 ).

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Thiola EC appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

5%

249 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 5

On 80% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

63%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)6
20%
Tier 5 (specialty)24
80%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 0% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 30 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.

Rare-disease navigation (specialists, trials, patient communities)

Thiola EC treats 2 rare conditions. For in-depth disease pages on our sister site:

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