Ovex Threadworm Treatment

Ovex begins working immediately after it is taken, and in most cases, it may take several days to kill all the threadworms. However, itching may continue for a few days after the worms have been killed, as the skin around the anus can remain irritated. As mebendazole (active ingredient in Ovex) does not kill threadworm eggs, hygiene measures are still important after treatment.

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if they come back again, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. They may advise a second dose after 2 weeks of the initial treatment to help prevent reinfection.

The itching caused by threadworms is triggered by the eggs and mucus deposited around the anus, not by the worms themselves. Even after the worms have been killed by Ovex, itching may persist until the irritated skin heals and any remaining eggs are removed through regular washing.

To help reduce itching after treatment, wash around the anus each morning, keep fingernails short and avoid scratching where possible. If symptoms are not improving after a few days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Ovex tablet (single pack or family pack): Take one tablet per person. The tablet can be chewed, crushed or swallowed whole with water. For young children, crush the tablet before giving it to them. Always supervise children while they are taking this medicine.

For the family pack, everyone in the household who is suitable for treatment should take one tablet at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. Treating suitable household members at the same time helps to prevent reinfection.

Ovex suspension (liquid): Shake the bottle well before use. Using the measuring cup provided, pour a 5ml dose and swallow. Do not use a kitchen spoon, as it will not provide an accurate measurement.

Because Ovex kills adult threadworms but not their eggs, a second dose is often recommended two weeks after the first. This ensures that any worms that have hatched from eggs since the initial treatment are also killed before they can lay new eggs.

Your pharmacist may advise a second dose if symptoms persist or if you suspect reinfection. Do not take a second dose sooner than two weeks after the first dose unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

No. Ovex should not be taken more than once within a two-week period unless a doctor or pharmacist has specifically advised otherwise. Taking a second dose too soon is unlikely to improve results, as the first dose will already have killed the adult worms. The two-week gap allows time for any eggs to hatch before the second dose eliminates the newly developed worms.

For threadworm infections, the standard recommendation is one dose followed by a second dose two weeks later if needed to reduce the risk of reinfection. Ovex is not intended for regular or long-term use.

If threadworm infections keep returning despite treatment, speak to your GP. Recurrence is usually due to reinfection rather than the treatment not working, and your GP can help check whether household contacts need treatment, which hygiene measures could help or whether another cause of symptoms should be considered.

Ovex may cause side effects in some people, though these are usually mild. They include:

• Stomach pain
• Bloating and wind
• Diarrhoea

In rare cases, Ovex may cause serious side effects. Stop using Ovex and seek urgent medical help if you or your child experiences:

• Blisters on your skin, mouth, eyes or genitals
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop as quickly as usual
• Unusual bruising or if your child seems to bruise more easily
• Yellowing of the skin or whites in your eyes - these are signs of liver problems
• A fit or seizure
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash

Ovex (mebendazole) is primarily used for threadworm (pinworm) infections, which is its licensed indication when purchased without a prescription in the UK.

Mebendazole can also be used to treat other intestinal worm infections, such as roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, when prescribed by a doctor.

Ovex is not suitable for treating tapeworm infections. If you suspect a tapeworm or a worm infection other than threadworm, you should consult your GP for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Ovex is suitable for most adults and children aged 2 and above. However, you should not take Ovex if:

• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to mebendazole or any of the other ingredients in Ovex
• The person needing treatment is under 2 years of age
• You are pregnant or think you are pregnant

You should speak to your pharmacist or doctor before taking Ovex if you:

• Have problems with your liver
• Have an intolerance to certain sugars
• Are breastfeeding
• Are taking metronidazole
• Are taking cimetidine

Persistent or returning symptoms are often caused by reinfection, as threadworm eggs can survive outside the body and spread easily in the home. If symptoms persist after a second dose, speak to your GP. They may recommend a longer course of hygiene measures or investigate whether another type of worm infection is present.

If symptoms persist after a second dose, speak to your GP. They may recommend a longer course of hygiene measures or investigate whether another type of worm infection is present.

Medication alone is not always enough to clear a threadworm infection permanently. Eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, and reinfection is common if hygiene measures are not followed alongside treatment. After taking Ovex, you should:

• Wash hands thoroughly and scrub under fingernails, especially before meals and after using the toilet
• Ensure your children wash their hands regularly
• Shower or bathe each morning to remove eggs laid overnight
• Change and wash underwear, nightwear and bed linen daily
• Make your children wear underwear at night and change it in the morning
• Wash towels and children’s soft toys
• Keep fingernails short
• Avoid scratching the affected area
• Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly with disinfectant
• Vacuum and dust the home frequently
• Rinse toothbrushes before use

These measures should be continued for at least six weeks to break the reinfection cycle.

Active ingredient: Mebendazole 100mg per tablet (or per 5ml of suspension).

Ovex tablet (single pack or family pack) also contains: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, talc, maize starch, sodium saccharin, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, orange flavouring, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium laurilsulfate and orange yellow S (E110).

Ovex suspension also contains: sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose and carmellose sodium, methylcellulose, methylparahydroxybenzoate (E218), propylparahydroxybenzoate (E216), sodium laurilsulfate, banana flavour (containing propylene glycol (E1520)), citric acid monohydrate and purified water.

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic (anti-worm) medicine. It is the active ingredient in Ovex and is the most commonly used treatment for threadworm infections in the UK. It works by preventing the worms from absorbing the glucose they need to survive, causing them to die within a few days.

You may notice dead or dying threadworms in your stool for a few days after taking Ovex, but not everyone does. They may appear as small white threads. Whether or not you see worms, it is important to follow hygiene measures to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Mebendazole is poorly absorbed from the gut, which means most of the medication stays in the intestines where it acts directly on the worms. The small amount that is absorbed is broken down by the liver and cleared from the body within a few days. The effects of the medication on any remaining worms in the gut can last for several days after the dose is taken.

Ovex is classified as a pharmacy-only (P) medicine in the UK. This means it can be bought without a prescription, but it must be supplied through a pharmacy, including registered online pharmacies and some supermarket pharmacy counters.

You can also buy Ovex online from Pharmica, available with fast, discreet delivery.

If you or your child accidentally takes more than one tablet, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible. Symptoms of an overdose may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.