Calcium Disodium Versenate

Generic name: edetate calcium disodium [ ED-e-tate-KAL-see-um-dye-SOE-dee-um ]
Drug class: Antidotes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Calcium Disodium Versenate?

Calcium Disodium Versenate is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that can remove a heavy metal from the blood.

Calcium Disodium Versenate is used to treat lead poisoning.

Calcium Disodium Versenate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcium Disodium Versenate side effects

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

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• little or no urination;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• pink or red urine;

• feeling very thirsty; or

• fever, chills, pale skin, easy bruising.

Calcium Disodium Versenate can have toxic effects in the body, which may cause life-threatening medical problems. Call your doctor at once if you have memory problems, mood changes, trouble concentrating, changes in behavior or mental status, or if you feel irritable.

Common side effects of Calcium Disodium Versenate may include:

• pain where the medicine was injected;

• fever, chills, tiredness, general ill feeling;

• muscle or joint pain;

• headache, tremors;

• nausea, vomiting, thirst, loss of appetite;

• sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not receive Calcium Disodium Versenate if you are unable to urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.

Calcium Disodium Versenate can have toxic effects in the body, which may cause life-threatening medical problems. Call your doctor at once if you have memory problems, mood changes, trouble concentrating, changes in behavior or mental status, or if you feel irritable.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Calcium Disodium Versenate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active hepatitis;

• active kidney disease; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

If possible before you receive this medicine, tell your doctor if:

• you have liver or kidney disease; or

• you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

How is Calcium Disodium Versenate given?

Calcium Disodium Versenate is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

When injected into a vein, Calcium Disodium Versenate must be given slowly through an IV infusion and can take up to 12 hours to complete.

You will need frequent tests to make sure you are urinating enough. Calcium Disodium Versenate can harm your kidneys.

Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

A child treated with Calcium Disodium Versenate may need to have x-rays to help the doctor determine the amount of lead circulating in the body.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive Calcium Disodium Versenate in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, changes in mental status, or decreased urination.

What should I avoid after receiving Calcium Disodium Versenate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Calcium Disodium Versenate?

Other drugs may affect Calcium Disodium Versenate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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