succimer Health Article

Generic name(s):

succimer

Brand name(s):

Chemet

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

Succimer 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. Succimer may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is succimer?

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

Succimer is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.

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

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

Before taking succimer, talk to your doctor if you have

• had a previous reaction to treatment with succimer;

• blood problems;

• kidney problems; or
• liver problems.

You may not be able to take succimer, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Succimer 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 succimer 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 succimer?

Take succimer 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 succimer 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 succimer regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with succimer 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 succimer overdose may include poor coordination, weakness, seizures, difficulty breathing, and death.

What should I avoid while taking succimer?

Succimer 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. Succimer may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.