Succimer

Generic Name: succimer

Lead Chelator [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Chemet

11 DESCRIPTION CHEMET (succimer) is an orally active, lead chelating agent. The chemical name for succimer is meso 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Its empirical formula is C 4 H 6 O 4 S 2 and molecular weight is 182.2. The meso -structural formula is: Succimer is a white crystalline powder with an unpleasant, characteristic mercaptan odor and taste.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION CHEMET (succimer) is an orally active, lead chelating agent. The chemical name for succimer is meso 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Its empirical formula is C 4 H 6 O 4 S 2 and molecular weight is 182.2. The meso -structural formula is: Succimer is a white crystalline powder with an unpleasant, characteristic mercaptan odor and taste.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CHEMET is indicated for the treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL. CHEMET is a lead chelator indicated for the treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use CHEMET is not indicated for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment. ( 1 ) CHEMET does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is not indicated to treat encephalopathy associated with lead toxicity. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use CHEMET is not indicated for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for important pretreatment evaluations. ( 2.1 ) Ensure patients receiving CHEMET are adequately hydrated. ( 2.3 ) Administer CHEMET capsules whole when possible. ( 2.3 ) Pediatric patients who cannot swallow whole capsules: Sprinkle contents of capsule in food (or on a spoon followed by a drink). ( 2.3 ) Recommended Dosage: 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m 2 orally every 8 hours for five days followed by 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m 2 orally every 12 hours for an additional 14 days. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Pretreatment Evaluations Identify the source of lead in the pediatric patient's environment and eliminate the source prior to beginning treatment with CHEMET.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity and Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10%) in Pediatric patients: Digestive (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hemorrhoidal symptoms, metallic taste in mouth). ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Recordati Rare Diseases Inc. at 1-888-575-8344 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CHEMET may interfere with serum and urinary laboratory test. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Laboratory Test Interference CHEMET may interfere with serum and urinary laboratory tests. In vitro studies have shown CHEMET to cause false positive results for ketones in urine using nitroprusside reagents and falsely decreased measurements of serum uric acid and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). 7.2 Use with Other Chelation Therapies Concomitant administration of CHEMET with other chelation therapy, such as CaNa 2 EDTA is not recommended.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity and dermatologic reactions: Interrupt treatment if rash or mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions occur. ( 5.1 ) Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts, interrupt treatment for ANC below 1200/mcL, and monitor for infection. ( 5.2 ) Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic transaminases (ALT/AST); interrupt treatment if above 5 times ULN. ( 5.3 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity and Dermatologic Reactions CHEMET can cause hypersensitivity reactions and dermatologic reactions. Rash Rash occurs in approximately 4% of patients treated with CHEMET. Interrupt treatment if rash occurs. Consider rechallenge if lead levels are high enough to warrant retreatment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CHEMET is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to succimer. Reactions have included mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions, urticaria, and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to succimer. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no studies with the use of CHEMET in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Administration of CHEMET to pregnant mice during organogenesis at dose exposure of 11-times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 700 mg based on body surface area (BSA) resulted in maternal toxicity and mortality and impaired reflex development in offspring (see Animal Data ) . There are adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes associated with lead poisoning in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) .

Storage

Store between 15°C and 25°C and avoid excessive heat. Dispense in tight, light-resistant container.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Succimer used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CHEMET is indicated for the treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL. CHEMET is a lead chelator indicated for the treatment of lead poisoning in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use CHEMET is not indicated for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment. ( 1 ) CHEMET does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is not indicated to treat encephalopathy associated with lead toxicity. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use CHEMET is not indicated for prophylaxis of lead poisoning in a lead-containing environment.

What are the side effects of Succimer?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity and Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10%) in Pediatric patients: Digestive (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hemorrhoidal symptoms, metallic taste in mouth). ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Recordati Rare Diseases Inc. at 1-888-575-8344 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Succimer during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no studies with the use of CHEMET in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Administration of CHEMET to pregnant mice during organogenesis at dose exposure of 11-times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 700 mg based on body surface area (BSA) resulted in maternal toxicity and mortality and impaired reflex development in offspring (see Animal Data ) . There are adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes associated with lead poisoning in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) .

What are the important warnings for Succimer?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity and dermatologic reactions: Interrupt treatment if rash or mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions occur. ( 5.1 ) Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts, interrupt treatment for ANC below 1200/mcL, and monitor for infection. ( 5.2 ) Hepatic Toxicity: Monitor hepatic transaminases (ALT/AST); interrupt treatment if above 5 times ULN. ( 5.3 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity and Dermatologic Reactions CHEMET can cause hypersensitivity reactions and dermatologic reactions. Rash Rash occurs in approximately 4% of patients treated with CHEMET. Interrupt treatment if rash occurs. Consider rechallenge if lead levels are high enough to warrant retreatment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CHEMET is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to succimer. Reactions have included mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions, urticaria, and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to succimer. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.