provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Chemet Coupon - Chemet 100mg capsule

Chemet

succimer
Used for Lead Poisoning
Used for Lead Poisoning

Chemet (succimer) is a medication taken by mouth to treat lead poisoning in children. The total treatment course lasts for a little less than 3 weeks. This medication works well, but it can't be used to prevent lead poisoning. It's also not meant to be used in place of avoiding lead exposure, so it's important to talk with your local public health department to find and remove sources of lead poisoning. This medication is brand name only, so it can be expensive.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Yen Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 8, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Chemet (succimer)?

What is Chemet (succimer) used for?

  • Treatment of lead poisoning in children 12 months of age or older with blood lead levels above 45 mcg/dL

How Chemet (succimer) works

Chemet (succimer) is a heavy metal chelating agent used for lead poisoning. Chemet (succimer) works by reacting and binding to the lead in your body to help force it out through your urine.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsChemet
Drug ClassChelating agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$57.75(save -105.30%)
GoodRx discount
$118.56
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Chemet (succimer)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hemorrhoids, loose stools, metallic taste) (12-21%)
  • Body pain, chills, fever (5-16%)
  • Rise in liver and cholesterol levels (4-10%)
  • Dizziness and drowsiness (1-13%)
  • Skin rash (3-11%)
  • Ear and eye problems (1-4%)
  • Throat and nose problems (1-4%)
  • Problems urinating (up to 4%)
  • Kneecap and leg pain (up to 3%)
  • Abnormal heart rate (up to 2%)
  • Changes in blood counts (1-2%)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Chills

fever

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

loose stools

loss of appetite

nausea and vomiting

skin rash

Succimer may cause your urine, sweat, and feces to have an unpleasant odor.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Chemet (succimer)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be taken with or without food

Dose is adjustable based on body weight and condition

Capsules can be opened and taken with soft food

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't be used to prevent lead poisoning

Have to get blood tests regularly during treatment

Full treatment takes almost 3 weeks

Only available as a brand name medication, so it can be expensive

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Chemet (succimer)

pharmacist

  • It's important to find and get rid of the source of lead exposure, even if your child is being treated with Chemet (succimer). This medication won't be very helpful if your child continues to be exposed to lead. Contact your local department of public health for help and information about removing sources of lead.

    • It's important that your child drinks enough fluids and stay hydrated while taking Chemet (succimer). This will help make sure that the lead gets flushed out through urine.

      • Chemet (succimer) can cause liver problems. Your provider will likely ask you to take your child for weekly labs to check their liver during treatment, so please plan for these appointments.

        • Let your provider know right away if your child develops a rash. While rash can be a side effect of Chemet (succimer), it can also be a sign of an infection. This medication can lower white blood cell counts, which makes it harder for your child to fight off an infection.

          • Chemet (succimer) can cause false results for certain blood and urine tests. Before any tests, talk with your child's provider to see if Chemet (succimer) can interfere with (change) the results.

            • Pregnant mothers should talk with their provider before starting Chemet (succimer). It's possible that this medication can cause harm to the baby.

              • Don't breastfeed while taking Chemet (succimer). While it's not known whether this medication can get into breastmilk, heavy metals can get into breastmilk. So don't breastfeed if your blood lead level is high because lead can get passed on to your infant and cause harm.

                • Store Chemet (succimer) at room temperature, which is between 15 and 25 degrees Celcius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Chemet (succimer)

                  What if my child can't swallow capsules?
                  If your child is unable to swallow capsules, you can give Chemet (succimer) with small amounts of food. You can open the Chemet (succimer) capsule and sprinkle the beads on a small amount of soft food like applesauce, or you can put them on a spoon for your child to take followed by a fruit drink.
                  How long is the treatment with Chemet (succimer)?
                  A full treatment with Chemet (succimer) typically lasts 19 days. Depending on your child's blood lead levels, the provider might have your child repeat the treatment course a couple of weeks after.
                  Will Chemet (succimer) affect other medications that my child is taking?
                  Chemet (succimer) isn't known to interact with other medications, but let your provider know your child's full medication history before starting this medication. Chemet (succimer) can't be taken with other chelating medications that also bind to metals.
                  If my child has received a different chelating medication previously, can they take Chemet (succimer)?
                  Speak with your child's provider to get the proper treatment plan for your child. Chemet (succimer) can be used if it's been at least 4 weeks since your child has taken a chelating medication called CaNa2EDTA (edetate calcium disodium). It's not recommended to use both Chemet (succimer) and CaNa2EDTA together, but your child's treatment plan will depend on their condition.
                  Will Chemet (succimer) affect the levels of other minerals in my body?
                  Chemet (succimer) won't have a big impact on the levels of iron, calcium, or magnesium in your body. This medication can cause you to lose double the amount of zinc through your urine compared to regular levels, but the effect is very small. Speak to your provider if you are concerned about your mineral levels or if you need to take supplements during your treatment.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Chemet (succimer)?

                  Chemet (succimer) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Low white blood cells

                  Chemet (succimer) might lower the levels of white blood cells, which are responsible for immune system function. Your provider will have your child get a blood test before starting Chemet (succimer) and weekly during their treatment. If the levels are too low, your provider might have your child stop the medication temporarily, or switch to a different treatment. Let the provider know right away if there are any signs of infections, such as fever, chills, confusion, pain, or swelling.

                  risk-warning

                  Rebound blood lead levels

                  The blood lead levels and symptoms of lead poisoning might return after stopping Chemet (succimer). This is due to the low levels of lead after treatment, so the lead from the bones gets transferred out to the blood to balance out the levels. Your provider might have your child get a blood test once a week after treatment until levels are stable.

                  dosage

                  Chemet (succimer) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing for Chemet (succimer)

                  Dosing for Chemet (succimer) will depend on your child's weight or body surface area.

                  The typical starting dose is 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 by mouth 3 times a day for 5 days. Then, your child will take 10 mg/kg or 350 mg/m2 by mouth 2 times a day for 14 days.

                  Your provider will continue to check your child's blood lead levels after the treatment is over to see if another course of treatment is needed.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Chemet (succimer) and other drugs

                  Chemet (succimer) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Chemet (succimer). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Chemet (succimer) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Chemet (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $118.56

                  (save -105.30%)
                  View prices & coupons
                  images

                  Chemet (succimer) images

                  White Chemet 100 - Chemet 100mg Capsule
                  This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "Chemet 100".White Chemet 100 - Chemet 100mg Capsule

                  Get savings updates for Chemet (succimer)

                  Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Chemet (succimer) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                  By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                  Browse medications

                  View All

                  Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.