Ovex Suspension 100mg/5ml

What is Ovex suspension?

Ovex suspension contains 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 suspension online

You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Ovex suspension 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 suspension is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Ovex suspension.
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. They worms then lose their energy and quickly die.
It is important to note mebendazole does not kill the worms eggs. These eggs take around 2 weeks to hatch and you should take another dose 2 weeks after the first to help prevent reinfection.

What are threadworms

You can check for threadworms by checking the stools, they wil 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.

How to take Ovex suspension

Ovex suspension is usually 5ml as a single dose and can be taken by itself or swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Use the spoon provided with the medicine or a syringe. A kitchen teaspoon may not provide an accurate dose.
You may need to take another dose in 2 weeks to prevent reinfection.

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 generally well tolerated and suitable for most adults and children. However it may not be suitable if you:

1. Have previously had an allergic reaction to Ibuprofen

Ovex suspension and pregnancy

It is best to try and get rid of threadworms without using medication before taking Ovex particularly during the first 12 weeks. Threadworms are not harmful to your baby and using other methods should get rid of them within about 6 weeks. If you want to take Ovex while pregnant consult a doctor beforehand.

Ovex suspension 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

It is unlikely to experience symptoms with Over tablets but as with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effect of Ovex tablets are:

1. Stomach pain
2. Bloating
3. Wind
4. Diarhoea

More Ovex suspension information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC: Ovex suspension SPC

Ovex tablet FAQs

• 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.

• How long does Ovex last once opened?

  Ovex suspension opened or unopened will last until the expiry date on the box

• Can I take Ovex while pregnant?

  It is best to try and get rid of threadworms without using medication before taking Ovex particularly during the first 12 weeks. Threadworms are not harmful to your baby and using other methods should get rid of them within about 6 weeks. If you want to take Ovex while pregnant consult a doctor beforehand.

• 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 long many doses of Ovex will I need?

  One dose is usually all that is needed, but you may need to take another dose in 2 weeks time to prevent reinfection from the eggs hatching as mebendazole does not kill worm eggs.

• 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 worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.

• Does Ovex suspension 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 the end of the mon. 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 suspension?

  They should be stored in a dry area below 25°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the medicine incorrectly could result in the medicine becoming less effective.