$Unique_ID{BRK03331}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{succimer}
$Subject{Chemet McNeil Consumer Products Oral chelator remover lead succimer
lead learning difficulties urinates}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


succimer
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Chemet (McNeil Consumer Products)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Oral chelator (remover) for lead

INGREDIENT

     succimer

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (100mg)

STORAGE

     Succimer capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Succimer is used to remove excess lead in the body.  Although patients
with excess lead levels may not look or act sick, the lead may cause learning
difficulties if left untreated over time.  Succimer binds to the excess lead
in the bloodstream.  The combination of lead and succimer is removed from the
body when the patient urinates.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach upset, succimer capsules can be taken whole
with food or with a glass of milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     If succimer is prescribed for a young child who cannot swallow capsules,
you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of soft food
such as applesauce, ice cream, or pudding.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bad or metallic taste in mouth, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
skin rash, severe abdominal pain, severe headaches, tingling in the arms or
legs, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     It is not known at this time whether or not succimer interacts with other
medication.

WARNINGS

     * It is important to tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or
allergic reaction to succimer or any other medication.
     * It is important that you drink plenty of fluids while taking succimer.
     * Succimer may cause your breath or urine to have a bad odor.  This is a
harmless effect.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not give this medication to other people or use it for any other purpose
than that prescribed by your doctor.
     * Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to make sure that
this medication is working properly.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  The safe use of this medication during human
pregnancy or breast-feeding has not been established.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.