What is this medication?

DIMERCAPROL (dahy mer KAP rawl) binds with heavy metals in the body. It is used to treat arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead poisoning.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BAL in Oil

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•G6PD deficiency

•iron, cadmium, or selenium poisoning

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to dimercaprol, peanuts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•cadmium

•gold compounds like auranofin, aurothioglucose

•iron salts or supplements

•selenium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may need to follow a special diet for a short time after you take this medicine. Follow your doctor or health care professional's instructions carefully.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•pain or tightness in the chest, hands or throat

•fast, irregular heartbeat

•fever

•high blood pressure

•irritation, pain at site where injected

•seizures

•sweating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•burning sensation of the lips, mouth, throat, or penis

•headache

•increase in saliva, tears

•nausea, vomiting

•runny nose

•stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.