Type of medicine: chelating agent; antidote for lead poisoning
Generic and brand names: succimer, oral; Chemet
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat lead poisoning. It will not prevent lead poisoning.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it or take it longer than directed. If a small child cannot swallow the capsule, it may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount of food. Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine. This is important to remove the lead from the body.
Do not stop taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: vomiting blood, bloody or tarry stools.
If you develop a rash, or any signs of infection such as fever or chills while you are taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. You may need to stop taking this medicine for a while depending on the results of these tests. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. Watch small children who are taking this medicine to help prevent falls and injuries.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Rash, severe stomach pain or stomach upset, fever, chills, yellow skin or eyes.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, fever.
Do not have other treatment for lead poisoning such as chelation therapy with Edetate Disodium, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or penicillamine while you are taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
