Chemet



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Accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide

Generic Name: succimer
(SUCK sih mer)

What is Chemet?

Chemet is a chelating (binding) agent. Succimer binds to lead in the blood and allows it to be passed out in the urine.

Chemet is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.

Chemet may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What is the most important information I should know about Chemet?

Chemet can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chemet may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Chemet?

Before taking Chemet, talk to your doctor if you have

  • had a previous reaction to treatment with Chemet
  • blood problems
  • kidney problems; or
  • liver problems.
  • You may not be able to take Chemet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

    Chemet is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take succimer without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

    It is not known whether Chemet passes into breast milk and if it will affect a nursing baby. Do not take succimer without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

    How should I take Chemet?

    Take Chemet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

    Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink several extra glasses of water each day while taking Chemet to maintain adequate hydration.

    If swallowing the capsules is difficult, the capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a small amount of soft food. The mixture should be consumed entirely and immediately, not saved for later use. Alternatively, the contents of the capsule may be placed on a spoon, administered, and followed with a drink of fruit juice or other liquid.

    It is important to take Chemet regularly to get the most benefit.

    Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Chemet to monitor progress and side effects.

    Store sucralfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

    What happens if I miss a dose?

    Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

    What happens if I overdose?

    Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

    Symptoms of a Chemet overdose may include poor coordination, weakness, seizures, difficulty breathing, and death.

    What should I avoid while taking Chemet?

    Chemet can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

    Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chemet may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

    What are the possible side effects of Chemet?

    Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects to Chemet:

    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
    • skin rash or sores in the mouth; or
    • signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or coughing.

    Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Chemet and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • metallic taste in the mouth
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • watering eyes; or
  • headache.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    What other drugs will affect Chemet?

    No other medications are known to interact with Chemet. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

    Where can I get more information?

    Your pharmacist has additional information about Chemet written for health professionals that you may read.


    Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.