Vermox

About Vermox

• Vermox tablets contain the medication mebendazole
• Vermox is most commonly used to treat threadworms (also known as pin worms), but can also be used to treat whipworm, hookworm and roundworm
• These worms cause an infection within the gut or bowel
• Symptoms include intense itching around your anus (bottom)
• You may also spot threadworms in your stool (poo)
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

How Does Vermox Work?

An infection with threadworms occurs when you swallow threadworm eggs. It is usually passed from person to person within a family or close setting.

The threadworms develop in the bowel, and then pass out of the bowel in the stool (poo). They look like small white strands. The female threadworm releases a mucus which can cause intense itching around your bottom (anus).

Vermox contains the active ingredient mebendazole. When you swallow the tablet, mebendazole enters your gut. Mebendazole stops the worms from being able to absorb glucose (sugar). Without glucose, the worms begin to die.

Sometimes you will also be advised to take a dose of mebendazole two weeks after the first dose. This is because any of the eggs that were present during the first dose may now have developed into worms. Taking a second dose ensures the infection is fully treated.

How is Vermox Taken?

Vermox tablets can be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. They can also be chewed. Children may need to take a liquid version of mebendazole which is easier to swallow.

One Vermox tablet needs to be taken if you have a threadworm infection. Everyone in your household will need to be treated at the same time, as threadworm spreads between people very easily. You may all need to take a second dose of the medication two weeks later to kill any eggs that have since developed into worms.

If you are diagnosed with another type of worm infection such as hookworm, roundworm or whipworm, you may need to take a longer course of Vermox. Your prescriber will advise you if this is the case.

Dosage of Vermox

Each Vermox tablet contains 100mg of mebendazole. 

To treat threadworms, each member of the household should take one tablet on diagnosis. You may need to take a second tablet two weeks later.

Are there any Side Effects?

Like all medications, Vermox can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Bloating and excess wind causing abdominal (tummy) discomfort
• Diarrhoea.

These are likely to settle within a few days. If they persist, you should seek medical advice.

Very occasionally, serious side effects can occur including:

• Blisters to the skin, eyes, mouth or genital area
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes – this could be a sign of liver disease.

If one of these serious side effects occurs, you should speak to a doctor straight away.

If you or your child experiences a fit or seizure, you or someone else must call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Vermox Warnings

Vermox may not suit everyone. In particular, women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding may be advised on a different course of management.

Mebendazole is suitable for children aged 2 and over. When treating a child aged under 2, a doctor may need to prescribe the medication. 

During the Consultation with EU Meds, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to check that Vermox is suitable for you. 

A prescriber from EU Meds will also review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Vermox will not interact with them. For example, the medications metronidazole and cimetidine may interfere with Vermox.

If Vermox is suitable based on your symptoms, past medical history and current medications, a prescriber from EU Meds will approve Vermox for discrete home delivery.