Edetate Calcium Disodium, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: chelating agent; antidote for lead poisoning

Generic and brand names: edetate calcium disodium, injection; Calcium Disodium Versenate; Calcium EDTA

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection to treat lead poisoning. It will not prevent lead poisoning.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver or kidney disease
• trouble urinating

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. It is injected into a muscle or into a vein. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely.

What should I watch out for?

High doses of this medicine can cause kidney damage. If you are unable to urinate (no urine output) for a period of 12 hours after you receive a shot of this medicine, or if you see blood in your urine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. You may need to stop taking this medicine for a while depending on the results of these tests. Keep all appointments.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. Watch small children who are taking this medicine to help prevent falls and injuries.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Bloody or cloudy urine; painful urination; urgent need to pass urine, especially at night; no urine output for 12 hours; fever; headache; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; blood in the urine; severe nausea or vomiting; itching; rash; swollen and cracked lips; tingling, numbness or pain in the hands or feet; blue skin color; unexplained tiredness or weakness; tremors.

Other: Metallic taste in the mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, sneezing, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, pain at the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Do not have other treatment for lead poisoning such as chelation therapy, succimer, or penicillamine while you are receiving this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

____________________________________________________

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

Developed by RelayHealth
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.