Chemet Side Effects

Generic Name: succimer

Please note - some side effects for Chemet may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Chemet - for the Consumer

Chemet

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Chemet:

Appetite loss; back, flank, rib, kneecap, leg, or head pain; decreased urination; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; heavy head; hemorrhoids; loose stools; metallic taste in mouth; nausea; numbness or tingling of the skin; runny nose; stomach pain or cramps; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); cold symptoms (eg, stuffy nose, cough); fever, chills, or sore throat; irregular heartbeat.

Chemet Side Effects - for the Professional

Chemet

Clinical experience with Chemet has been limited. Consequently, the full spectrum and incidence of adverse reactions including the possibility of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions have not been determined. The most common events attributable to succimer, i.e., gastrointestinal symptoms or increases in serum transaminases, have been observed in about 10% of patients. Rashes, some necessitating discontinuation of therapy, have been reported in about 4% of patients. If rash occurs, other causes (e.g. measles) should be considered before ascribing the reaction to succimer. Rechallenge with succimer may be considered if lead levels are high enough to warrant retreatment. One allergic mucocutaneous reaction has been reported on repeated administration of the drug. Mild to moderate neutropenia has been observed in some patients receiving succimer. Table I presents adverse events reported with the administration of succimer for the treatment of lead and other heavy metal intoxication.

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects (12% in children and 20.9% in adults) have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hemorrhoidal symptoms, loose stools, and metallic taste in mouth. Abdominal cramps and stomach pain have also been reported in patients receiving succimer.

General

General side effects (5.2% in children and 15.7% in adults) have included back pain, head pain, rib pain, chills, flank pain, fever, flu-like symptoms, heavy head/tired, head cold, headache, and moniliasis.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects (4.2% in children and 10.4% in adults) have included elevated serum cholesterol and increased proteinuria.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects (4.2% in children and 10.4% in adults) have included elevated SGPT, SGOT, and alkaline phosphatase.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects (3.7% in children and 0.7% in adults) have included rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and cough.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects (3.7% in adults) have included decreased urination and voiding difficulty.

Other

Other side effects (3.7% in children and 0.7% in adults) have included plugged ears, otitis media, and sore throat.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects (2.6% in children and 11.2% in adults) have included papular rash, herpetic rash, rash, mucocutaneous eruptions, and pruritus.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects (3.0% in adults) have included kneecap pain and leg pains.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects (1.8% in adults) have included arrhythmia.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects (1.0% in children and 12.7% in adults) have included drowsiness, dizziness, sensorimotor neuropathy, sleepiness, and paresthesia.

Ocular

Ocular side effects (1.0% in children and 3.0% in adults) have included cloudy film in eye and watery eyes.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects (0.5% in children and 1.5% in adults) have included mild to moderate neutropenia, increased platelet count, and intermittent eosinophilia.

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