Edetate calcium disodium

Edetate calcium disodium is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that can take heavy metals out of the blood.

Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning.

Edetate calcium disodium may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not receive edetate calcium disodium if you cannot urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.

Edetate calcium disodium can have harmful effects in the body that may lead to serious medical issues. Call your doctor immediately if you have memory problems, mood changes, trouble concentrating, changes in behavior or mental status, or if you feel irritable.

You should not receive edetate calcium disodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active hepatitis;
• active kidney disease; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

If possible before you receive this medicine, tell your doctor if:

• you have liver or kidney disease; or
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• little or no urination;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• pink or red urine;
• feeling very thirsty; or
• fever, chills, pale skin, easy bruising.

Edetate calcium disodium can have toxic effects in the body, which may cause life-threatening medical problems. Call your doctor at once if you have memory problems, mood changes, trouble concentrating, changes in behavior or mental status, or if you feel irritable.

Common side effects of edetate calcium disodium may include:

• pain where the medicine was injected;
• fever, chills, tiredness, general ill feeling;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache, tremors;
• nausea, vomiting, thirst, loss of appetite;
• sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Edetate calcium disodium is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

When injected into a vein, edetate calcium disodium must be given slowly through an IV infusion and can take up to 12 hours to complete.

You will need frequent tests to make sure you are urinating enough. Edetate calcium disodium can harm your kidneys.

Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

A child treated with edetate calcium disodium may need to have x-rays to help the doctor determine the amount of lead circulating in the body.

Because you will receive edetate calcium disodium in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, changes in mental status, or decreased urination.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may affect edetate calcium disodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.