Ovex Suspension (30ml)

Frequently Asked Questions

• My child is itching but I cannot see any worms, is it possible they’re infected?

  It is still possible that your child has threadworms. Sometimes they aren’t always visible, but a consistent itch around the bottom is a top sign of an infection. The itch itself is caused by a mucus that the threadworms discharge. 

• How long after starting treatment should it take for the threadworms to disappear?

  Ovex Suspension contains mebendazole, which acts to starve the threadworms from the sugars that keep them alive. It will usually take a few days for the threadworms to die off. Immediate elimination is not possible so the symptoms may continue for a few days after taking the treatment.

• My child is really itchy when they try to sleep, can I prevent this in any way?

  The only thing you can do to prevent the spread of eggs during the night is to get the child to wear cotton gloves while they sleep. These gloves should be washed daily to prevent the eggs from spreading.

• One of my children has threadworms and the other is only a 1 year old, how can they both be treated?

  To ensure the entire household gets treated you will need to see your GP, who can assess and prescribe treatment for the child of 1 year. Children under 2 will require different treatment and medicines like Ovex will be unsuitable. The rest of the household can be treated using Ovex.

• How has my child caught threadworms?

  Younger children often aren’t aware about the importance of good hygiene. This can result in them forgetting to wash their hands. Poor hygiene is a main cause of the spread of threadworms. Their eggs can be caught from contaminated surfaces, which have been touched by an infected child. This could include; school tables, toys and holding hands whilst playing.

• Should my child go to school if they are infected?

  The Health Protection Agency suggests that infected children should still go to school. Schools and nurseries will have advice to follow regarding good hygiene, so you should let them know to ensure these measures are more vigilantly adhered to.

• How do I take Ovex Suspension?

  Adults and children over the age of 2 years; one 5ml spoonful should be taken as a single dose. Ovex can be taken either with or after food. This product should be shaken well before use.

• How do I take Ovex tablets?

  Anyone over the age of two years old should take one Ovex tablet, either with food or without, in order to treat the threadworm. The tablets can either be swallowed with water or chewed. For use on younger children they can also be crushed for ease.

  If using Ovex suspension then a small 5ml spoonful will act as a single dose. Shake well before using.

  Second dosages should only be taken two weeks later if the threadworm resurfaces.

• So what exactly are threadworms?

  Threadworms, also known as Enterobius vermicularis, are a kind of parasitic worm that live and breed in the bowel of humans and some monkeys. The worms will grow to approximately half an inch long and look like small threads of cotton – which is where they get their name from.

• Are threadworms common?

  Threadworms are quite common, and children are more likely to become infected. Some estimates have said that up to 40% of young children (under ten years old) will be infected with thread worm at some point. A child becoming afflicted with threadworm is usually the catalyst that helps the parasite spread to the rest of the family.

• My child keeps scratching their rectal area, could they be infected with threadworm?

  Yes, this is a possibility. Threadworms are not always visible and itching might be a good indicator of an infection. The reason itching occurs is because of a kind of mucus that is secreted by the worms, and itching could lead to the entire family becoming infected. If in doubt, always consult your doctor or pharmacist

• At what age can a child take Ovex?

  Ovex can be taken by anybody over two years old. For younger children you might want to crush the tablets up for easier use.

   

• My child is infected with threadworm but is under 2 years old, what should I do?

  Because of the high chance that threadworms will be spread throughout the family, it is important to treat your children under 2 years old as well. To do this you should visit your doctor as special treatment will need to be administered.