What are Ovex tablets?
Ovex tablets contain the active ingredient 'Mebendazole'. Mebendazole is an anthelmintic or anti-worm medication and are a safe and effective way to treat threadworms sometimes known as pinworms.
How to buy Ovex tablets online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Ovex tablets online in the UK with collection, free or next day delivery available. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Ovex tablets is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Ovex tablets.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How it works
Ovex contains mebendazole which stops the worms from using glucose. The worms then lose their energy and quickly die.
It is important to note mebendazole does not kill the worms eggs. If reinfection occurs, your pharmacist may recommend a second dose after two weeks. Hygiene measures remain important because the medicine does not kill the eggs.
What are threadworms
You can check for threadworms by checking the stools, they will look like little pieces of white thread. They can also be seen around the anus particularly at night.
Other symptoms can include:
- Itching around the anus or vagina especially at night
- Irritability and waking up during the night
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Abdomen pain
Once a person is infected if they scratch at them the eggs get lodged under their fingernails and are then transferred onto other objects. The tiny eggs can then be picked up and swallowed causing infection. Due to them being transferred from person to person very easily it is recommended to treat everyone in the household even if they have no symptoms, as it may take a few weeks for symptoms to show.
Household members should be treated at the same time only if the medicine is suitable for each person. Children under two and anyone pregnant need individual advice; everyone should follow the hygiene measures.
How to take Ovex tablets
Adults and children aged two and over: take one 100mg tablet, chewed or swallowed whole with water. Supervise young children while they take it; the suspension may be easier to give.
If reinfection occurs, a pharmacist may recommend another dose after two weeks. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, speak to a doctor.
Threadworm prevention
To help prevent threadworms from recurring you can:
- Wash hands and scrub under fingernails – particularly after using the bathroom and before eating
- Bathe or shower every morning
- Rinse all toothbrushes before use
- Trim fingernails
- Wash any pyjamas
- Wash bed sheets
- Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth
- Wear underwear at night and change it in the morning
- Keep fingers and thumbs out of mouths
- Do not share towels
- Do not shake clothing or bedding
- Do not bite nails
Who cannot use Ovex?
Ovex is for adults and children aged two and over. Do not give it to a child under two without medical supervision. Do not use it if you are pregnant or allergic to mebendazole or another ingredient.
Check with a pharmacist before treatment if you:
- Take metronidazole: using it with mebendazole should be avoided.
- Take cimetidine, which can affect mebendazole levels.
- Are breastfeeding or may be pregnant.
Ovex tablets and pregnancy
Do not use Ovex during pregnancy without medical advice. Hygiene measures are the first step, particularly in the first 12 weeks. Threadworms are not harmful to your baby, and hygiene measures used consistently for six weeks can clear the infection without medicine.
Ovex tablets and breastfeeding
They are safe to take while breastfeeding, a small amount may pass into your breast milk. This is unlikely to cause any harm, if you notice any unusual behaviour such as not feeding as well or more irritable than usual contact your doctor or health visitor.
Ovex side effects
Like all medicines, Ovex tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Possible effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Wind
- Diarrhoea
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ovex take to work?
Ovex begins working straight away after just one dose. It can take several days for it to kill all the worms.
Can I take Ovex while pregnant?
Ask a doctor before treatment if you are pregnant. Use hygiene measures first; do not simply take the same medicine as the rest of the household.
Can I take Ovex while breastfeeding?
Ovex is safe to take while breastfeeding at recommended doses a tiny amount may pass through breast milk into your baby but it is unlikely to do any harm.
How many doses of Ovex will I need?
One dose is usually enough. If reinfection occurs, your pharmacist may recommend a second dose after two weeks. Continue hygiene measures because mebendazole does not kill worm eggs.
Do Ovex tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers to the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Ovex tablets?
They should be stored in a dry area below 25°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
Is it safe to buy Ovex tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worst harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
