Succimer oral capsule

What is this medicine?

SUCCIMER (SUX ih mer) is a drug that binds lead. This medicine is used to treat lead poisoning.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. If the capsule cannot be swallowed, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount of soft food. The contents may also be put in a spoon to swallow with a fruit drink. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• fast or irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever or chills, sore throat

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• palpitations

• sores in the mouth

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• runny nose or eyes

• stomach pain

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• dimercaprol

• edetate calcium disodium, also known as calcium EDTA

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 71 degrees F). Avoid exposure to heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• an unusual or allergic reaction to succimer, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You will need regular blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.