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Overview: Chemet is commonly used to treat lead poisoning. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hemorrhoids, and a metallic taste in your mouth. Serious side effects are less common, but may include blisters, low white blood cell levels, and liver damage. Contact your health care provider right away if you think you have an infection, have blisters, or feel unusually weak or tired. 

Uses

What is Chemet used for?

Chemet (succimer) is commonly used to treat lead poisoning.

Chemet may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Chemet work (mechanism of action)?

Chemet works by binding to lead in your body, forming compounds called chelates. Your body gets rid of the chelates when you pee. This helps to lower lead levels.

How is Chemet supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Chemet

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store Chemet?

Chemet should be stored at temperatures between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Protect it from light and excessive heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Chemet?

The most common side effects of Chemet are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Metallic taste in your mouth

There may be other side effects of Chemet that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Chemet?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Chemet are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chemet may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Chemet and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blisters. Chemet may cause blisters to form around your mouth, genitals, and anus. Blisters seem to be more common if you need to take Chemet for high lead levels more than one time. Stop taking Chemet and tell your health care provider if you notice any new blisters.

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Chemet may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Stop taking Chemet and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels or other signs of infection.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Abnormal Liver Function Tests. Chemet may cause abnormal liver function tests. These changes can be early signs of liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Your health care provider may monitor your liver function tests while you are taking Chemet to make sure it is safe for you to take. Your health care provider may need to lower your dose or have you stop taking Chemet based on your lab results. Your risk of abnormal liver function tests may be higher if you already have liver problems. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are taking this medicine. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Chemet?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Chemet.

  • Chemet
  • Succimer
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Chemet.

What should I know about Chemet before using it?

Do not take Chemet unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Chemet with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Chemet out of the reach of children.

You should drink plenty of fluids while you are taking Chemet.

You should swallow Chemet capsules whole. If your child cannot swallow the whole capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on a small amount of soft food. Or, you can put the beads from inside the capsule on a spoon to take them. After swallowing the spoonful of capsule beads, your child should have a fruit drink. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider. 

Chemet may interfere with certain lab tests. If you are having blood or urine (pee) lab tests done, be sure your health care provider knows that you are taking Chemet.

If you can get pregnant, you should use an effective method of birth control while taking Chemet and for 14 days after your last dose. See the Pregnancy section for more details. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Chemet?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Chemet is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Chemet may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Chemet, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Past Treatment with Chemet. Tell your health care provider if you have taken Chemet in the past. The risk of blister formation may be higher with each treatment course. See the Side Effects section for more details. 

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. Chemet may harm an unborn baby. Your health care provider may test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Chemet. You should use an effective method of birth control while taking Chemet and for 14 days after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Chemet while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Chemet passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Chemet while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Chemet?

For more information about Chemet, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.recordatirarediseases.com/us or call them at 908-236-0888.

Interactions

Does Chemet interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Chemet and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Chemet. Both Chemet and alcohol can cause abnormal liver function tests. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Chemet interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other chelating agents or supplements, such as ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), deferasirox (Exjade, Jadenu), deferiprone (Ferriprox), deferoxamine (Desferal), penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen), and trientine (Cuvrior, Syprine) before taking Chemet.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Chemet. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Chemet?

If you or someone else has used too much Chemet, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Chemet?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.