Succimer

Succimer is used to treat lead poisoning.

Succimer is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that attaches to lead in the blood and helps remove it through urine.

Succimer may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of soft food. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

You may also empty the medicine beads into a spoon, swallow all of the beads, and then drink a glass of juice or fruit-flavored drink.

Drink plenty of liquids to keep your kidneys working properly so they can help eliminate the lead from your body.

Succimer is usually given daily for 19 days in a row. You may need to receive more than one course of treatment. Use succimer regularly to get the most benefit.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the lead is completely cleared from your body.

You may need medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with succimer.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using succimer.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using succimer.

Succimer can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick. Your blood cells may need to be tested often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you take.

You should not use succimer if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• treatment with dimercaprol or edetate calcium disodium.

Succimer may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using succimer.

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

Succimer may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• fever, cold or flu symptoms, cough, difficulty breathing;
• skin sores, rash; or
• swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain while swallowing.

Common side effects of succimer may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea; or
• a metallic taste in your mouth.

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

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lead Poisoning -- Severe:

1 year or older: Initial dose: 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 orally every 8 hours for five daysMaintenance dose: 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 orally every 12 hours for 14 days 8 kg to 15 kg: Initial dose: 100 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 100 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 16 kg to 23 kg: Initial dose: 200 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 200 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 24 kg to 34 kg: Initial dose: 300 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 35 kg to 44 kg: Initial dose: 400 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days 45 kg or greater: Initial dose: 500 mg orally every 8 hours for five days Maintenance dose: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days Comments:-Do not use for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment.-Always identify and remove the source of the lead exposure.-May repeat courses if indicated by weekly blood lead concentration levels, with a minimum of two weeks between courses unless blood lead levels necessitate more rapid treatment.Use: Treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

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

Once it has been determined how or where you got lead poisoning, avoid coming into contact with that source or location.

• Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.
• Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Other drugs may impact succimer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicines you begin or stop using.