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Chemet

Generic: succimer

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Recordati
NDC
55292-201
RxCUI
198227
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
T56.0X9A

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About Chemet

What is this medication? Chemet, also known by its generic name succimer, is an oral prescription medication used primarily to treat lead poisoning in children. It belongs to a class of drugs called chelating agents. When a child has an abnormally high concentration of lead in their blood, typically above 45 micrograms per deciliter, this medication is prescribed to help reduce those toxic levels. It works by specifically binding to lead molecules circulating in the bloodstream and tissues, forming a stable compound that the body can then eliminate naturally.

Once the lead is bound to the medication, the resulting complex is filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body through the urine. This process helps to prevent the severe neurological and physical developmental issues associated with long-term lead exposure. While it is effective at removing lead, it is important to note that the medication is most successful when the patient is also removed from the source of the lead contamination. It is usually administered as a capsule that can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled onto food for easier consumption by young children.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Chemet. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jul 10, 2025

Indications and usage
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. CHEMET does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is not indicated to treat encephalopathy associated with lead toxicity.
Dosage and administration
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. Assess the following before initiating treatment with CHEMET: Blood lead concentration Complete blood count (CBC) with differential and platelets [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Ensure absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 1500/mcL [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] Transaminases (AST/ALT) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] Renal function with blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urinary protein [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . Patients who have previously received Edetate calcium disodium (CaNa 2 EDTA) with or without dimercaprol may receive CHEMET for subsequent treatment after an interval of four weeks. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of CHEMET for pediatric patients with lead poisoning is 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 [see Table 1 CHEMET Pediatric Dosing Chart ]. Initiation of therapy at higher doses is not recommended. The total treatment course consists of 19 days. After discontinuation of CHEMET, elevated blood levels and associated symptoms may return rapidly because of redistribution of lead from bone stores to soft tissues and blood. Assess blood lead concentration after the completion of a 19 day course and every week until stable. Repeated courses may be administered after two weeks off treatment if blood lead concentrations remain elevated. A minimum of two weeks between treatment courses is recommended unless blood lead concentrations indicate the need for more prompt treatment. Table 1. CHEMET Pediatric Dosing Chart Weight in Kilograms (kg) Dose (mg) Number of Capsules 8 to15 kg 100 mg 1 16 to 23 kg 200 mg 2 24 to 34 kg 300 mg 3 35 to 44 kg 400 mg 4 >45 kg 500 mg 5 The safety of uninterrupted dosing longer than 3 weeks has not been established and is not recommended. Dosage Modifications for Neutropenia Monitor CBCs weekly. If the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is <1200/mcL interrupt CHEMET. Resume CHEMET when ANC has recovered to >1500/mcL (or the patient's baseline count). Immediately discontinue CHEMET for signs/symptoms of infection. Only rechallenge patients who developed neutropenia with CHEMET therapy if the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. 2.3 Preparation and Administration Instructions Administer CHEMET capsules whole. In pediatric patients who cannot swallow the capsules whole, separate the capsule and sprinkle the medicated beads on a small amount of soft food or put them in a spoon and follow with a fruit drink. Ensure that all patients receiving CHEMET are adequately hydrated [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] .
Contraindications
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 )
Warnings and precautions
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. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria and angioedema have been reported on repeated administration of CHEMET [see Contraindications (4) ]. Mucocutaneous Reactions Mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions can occur with CHEMET use and may increase with each treatment course. Monitor patients requiring repeated CHEMET courses for the occurrence of mucocutaneous eruptions, including oral, urethral, and perianal. Interrupt treatment if mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions occur. 5.2 Neutropenia Iron chelators, including CHEMET, can cause neutropenia. Monitoring of complete blood counts is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Interrupt treatment if absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is <1200/mcL and interrupt treatment until recovery to above 1500/mcL (or the patient's baseline count). Only rechallenge patients who developed neutropenia with CHEMET therapy if the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. If rechallenge is attempted, monitor CBC more frequently. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection and immediately discontinue CHEMET if they develop. 5.3 Hepatic Toxicity Elevated transaminases (ALT/AST) occurred in 6-10% of patients treated with CHEMET. Monitor serum AST and ALT at baseline and at least weekly during treatment. Monitor patients with a history of liver disease more frequently. Serum aminotransferase elevations above 5 times the upper limit of normal (if confirmed) should lead to dose reduction or temporary cessation. 5.4 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, CHEMET may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with CHEMET and for 14 days after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . 5.5 Laboratory Test Interference CHEMET may interfere with serum and urinary laboratory tests [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
Drug 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.
Adverse reactions
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. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Table 2 presents the adverse reactions associated with Chemet in pediatric patients. Table 2 Incidence of Adverse Reactions Associated with Chemet in Pediatric Patients Body System: Adverse Reactions Pediatric Patients (n=191) Digestive Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hemorrhoidal symptoms, metallic taste in mouth 12% Body as a Whole Back pain, abdominal cramps, stomach pains, head pain, rib pain, chills, flank pain, fever, flu-like symptoms, heavy head/tired, head cold, headache, moniliasis. 5% Metabolic Elevated ALT or AST, alkaline phosphatase, serum cholesterol. 4% Respiratory Sore throat, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough. 4% Skin Papular rash, herpetic rash, rash, mucocutaneous eruptions, pruritis. 3% Nervous Drowsiness, dizziness, sensorimotor neuropathy, sleepiness, paresthesia. 1% Special Senses Cloudy film in eye, ears plugged, otitis media, eyes watery. 1% Heme/Lymphatic Neutropenia, increased platelet count, eosinophilia 1%
Use in 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 ) . CHEMET should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. However, the background risk in the U.S general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Lead exposure in pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational hypertension. Lead crosses the placenta in amounts related to maternal plasma levels. Prenatal lead exposure may be associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, decreased birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment. Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal developmental studies, pregnant mice received subcutaneous succimer during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1640 mg/kg/day (11-times the MRHD based on BSA) which resulted in both maternal and fetal toxicity. In a developmental study in rats, dosing with succimer during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity and deaths at the dose of 720 mg/kg/day (10-times the MRHD based on BSA) or more. The dose of 510 mg/kg/day (7-times the MRHD based on BSA) was the highest tolerable dose in pregnant rats. Impaired development of reflexes was noted in pups of dams receiving 720 mg/kg/day (10-times the MRHD based on BSA).

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Chemet appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

69%

3,800 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 5

On 46% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

14%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)29
15%
Tier 2 (generic)2
1%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)20
10%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)55
28%
Tier 5 (specialty)92
46%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 0% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 198 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.

Rare-disease navigation (specialists, trials, patient communities)

Chemet treats a rare condition. For in-depth disease pages on our sister site:

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