What is it
Ovex is a medicine which is used to treat threadworm (sometimes known as pinworm) infections of the gut. The tablet contains mebendazole, which is one of a group of medicines called ‘anthelmintics’. This medicine is for use in adults and children aged over 2 years.
What are threadworms?
Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny white parasitic worms that live in the bowel. They are approximately half an inch long and resemble threads of white cotton – hence the name threadworms.
How common are threadworms?
Threadworms are extremely common, especially in children. It is estimated that up to 40% of children under ten years in the UK may be affected at any one time. Once a child has threadworms, it is very easy for the rest of the family to get them.
Directions
How to take this medicine
Check the table that follows to see how much medicine to take.
■ This medicine is a single-tablet dose. Do not take more than the stated dose shown below.
■ For oral use only.
■ The tablet may be either chewed or swallowed whole. Crush the tablet before giving it to a young child.
■ Always supervise a child if they are taking this medicine.
This medicine is not recommended for children aged under 2 years old.
Adults and children aged 2 years and over- Take one tablet per family member.
■ If symptoms do not disappear within a few days, speak to your doctor.
■ If you are re-infected your pharmacist may recommend that a second tablet is taken after two weeks.
If anyone takes more than one Ovex tablet, contact a doctor or your nearest Accident & Emergency department (Casualty) taking this leafl et and pack with you as soon as possible.
Warnings
Before taking this medicine
This medicine is suitable for most adults and children, but a few
people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor
or pharmacist.
Do not use this medicine…
■ If you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients.
■ If you are pregnant or think you are pregnant.
If any of these apply to you, get advice from a doctor or pharmacist
without using Ovex Suspension
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist…
■ If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance
to some sugars.
■ If you are taking any other medicines, including:
■ Metronidazole (a drug used to treat bacterial and protozoan
infections) as a serious skin reaction can rarely occur.
■ Cimetidine (used to treat excess stomach acidity).
If you are not sure about any of the medicines you are taking, show the bottle or pack to your pharmacist. If any of the bullet points apply to you now or in the past, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Special warnings about this medicine
Since threadworms can spread very easily, it is strongly recommended that all the family (except pregnant, breast-feeding women or children under 2 years) are treated at the same time and that suitable hygiene precautions are followed to prevent re-infection.
Ovex can have side-effects, like all medicines, although these don’t affect everyone and are usually mild. If you experience any of the following, stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical help:
Very rarely: (fewer than 1 in 10,000 people are affected)
■ Convulsions (seizures/fits).
■ Allergic reactions including unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, sudden swelling of your face or throat, and hives (also known as ‘nettle rash’ or ‘urticaria’).
■ Skin rashes (which may be severe and include blistering or peeling of
the skin) and itching, and may be accompanied by a high temperature.
Commonly: (fewer than 1 in 10 people are affected)
■ Stomach pain
Uncommonly: (fewer than 1 in 100 people are affected)
■ Stomach discomfort
■ Diarrhoea
■ Wind
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Ovex is: Mebendazole 100 mg per tablet.
Other ingredients are: Microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, talc, maize starch, sodium saccharin, magnesium stearate, cottonseed oil – hydrogenated, orange fl avour, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium laurilsulfate, orange yellow S (E110).
Worked as described