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.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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