Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Calcium Disodium Versenate

Generic Name: edetate calcium disodium (Pronunciation: ED e tate KAL see um dye SOE dee um)

What is edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate)?

Edetate calcium disodium is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent. A chelating agent is capable of removing a heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood.

Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning.

Edetate calcium disodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

urinating less than usual or not at all;
drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
feeling like you might pass out; or
fast, slow, or uneven heart rate.

Less serious side effects include:

fever, chills, tired feeling, and muscle or joint pain;
numbness or tingly feeling;
tremors;
runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, water eyes;
mild skin rash;
headache; or
pain where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate)?

You should not receive this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.

Edetate calcium disodium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

When injected into a vein, edetate calcium disodium must be given slowly through an IV infusion and can take up to 12 hours to complete.

If possible before you receive this medication, tell your caregivers if you kidney disease.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.