Ovex Family Pack Mebendazole 100mg 4 Tablets Threadworm

Description

Ovex Family Pack contains four mebendazole 100mg tablets for the treatment of threadworm, one single-dose tablet per person, so a household can be treated at the same time. For adults and children over 2 years, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.

Key facts

Active ingredient	Mebendazole 100mg per tablet
Format	Orange-flavoured tablets that can be chewed or swallowed whole
Use	Treatment of threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infestation of the gut
Age	Adults and children over 2 years; not recommended under 2
Dose	One tablet per person as a single dose; a second tablet after two weeks if re-infection is suspected
Pack	4 tablets (4 single treatments)

Who it is for

Households where one member has threadworm: all family members (except pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 2) are usually treated at the same time.
Adults and children aged over 2 years.

Not suitable for: Do not take if you are pregnant or allergic to mebendazole or any of the other ingredients. Not recommended for children under 2 years. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before use if you are breastfeeding, or if you are taking metronidazole or cimetidine. The tablets contain the colour orange yellow S (E110), which may cause allergic reactions.

How to use

Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
Adults and children over 2 years: take one tablet only. Chew it or swallow it whole. Crush the tablet before giving it to a young child.
Treat all members of the household at the same time unless they are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 2.
Wash hands and scrub nails after using the toilet and before meals, and wash bedding and nightwear, to stop eggs being swallowed again.
If re-infection is suspected, a second tablet may be taken after two weeks.
If symptoms continue, tell your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How many tablets does each person take?

One tablet only. The family pack holds four single-dose treatments so four people can be treated at the same time.

Why should the whole family be treated?

A single dose kills threadworms but may not destroy their eggs, which can cause re-infection and spread to others. Treating everyone together, with good hand and bedding hygiene, cuts the chance of it coming back.

Can I take a second dose?

Yes, if re-infection is suspected a second tablet can be taken after two weeks.

Can children take Ovex?

Children over 2 can take one tablet (crush it for young children). It is not recommended under 2 years; ask a doctor.

Can I take it when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Ovex in pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, ask a pharmacist or doctor first.

What side effects can it cause?

Stomach pain and diarrhoea can occur, mainly where there is a heavy worm load. Rarely, rash or allergic reactions; stop and seek advice if these happen.

Safety and storage

For oral use. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Do not take with metronidazole; tell your pharmacist if you take cimetidine.
No special storage conditions; keep in the original pack.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.