A threadworm infection can be stressful, but it’s common and very easily treatable. Ovex is the first line over-the-counter treatment in the UK to eliminate these worms quickly.

Read on to learn more about how Ovex works, how to take it safely and how to choose the right formulation for your home.

What is Ovex and what does it treat?

Ovex is an over-the-counter anti-parasitic treatment used to treat threadworms (pinworms). Threadworms are tiny, white, thread-like worms that infect the human gut.

Whilst harmless, they cause intense itching around the bottom, especially at night, affecting sleep.

The treatment is suitable for most individuals aged 2 and over.

How Ovex works

Containing the active ingredient mebendazole, Ovex works directly on the worms, starving them, which eventually kills them.

The treatment only works against live worms - it does not kill eggs. For this reason, treatment must be used alongside strict hygiene measures and is usually repeated two weeks later to catch any newly hatched worms.

How long does Ovex take to work?

The treatment gets to work straight away, but it can take a few days to kill adult worms which then pass out of your system.

If the itching does not ease over a few days, or if you still notice live worms after a week, consult your healthcare provider or GP.

Can you buy Ovex without a prescription?

Yes, Ovex is a pharmacy-only (P) medicine. Whilst a prescription is not needed, you can only purchase treatment from a pharmacy, where a pharmacist can verify it is safe for you.

Requesting treatment from online pharmacies, such as Quick Meds requires completing a quick online form, ensuring you get the right treatment and advice.

How to take Ovex tablets

Ovex is straightforward to use as the dose is the same regardless of age or weight. The treatment is suitable for adults and children over 2 years.

To take the treatment:

• Take one tablet (100mg)

• The tablet can be chewed, crushed or swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food.

A single dose is effective at helping to kill live threadworms.

The treatment will not destroy eggs, which can cause re-infection. For this reason, alongside treatment, it's important to ensure strict hygiene measures including:

• Washing hands, and scrubbing fingernails, especially before eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies.

• Showering every morning.

• Keeping fingernails short.

• Wash clothing, bedding and soft toys at a high temperature, everyday.

• Disinfect surfaces

• Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth

• Ensure everyone wears underwear at night, changed in the morning.

In addition to the above, a second dose may be required after 2 weeks, if re-infection is suspected.

Ovex tablets vs the Family Pack - which do I need?

When treating threadworms, all members of the household must be treated at the same time, regardless of symptoms.

A very contagious condition, threadworm eggs spread easily through shared surfaces. Choosing your pack depends on your household size:

For those who find it difficult to take tablets, Ovex is alternatively available as an oral suspension.

Who should not take Ovex tablets?

Whilst Ovex is safe for most individuals, they are not suitable for :

• Children under 2 - treatment is not licensed. GP intervention is required for this age group for a tailored treatment.

• Pregnant women - who must instead rely on strict hygiene measures to clear the worms naturally

• Breastfeeding - due to limited safety data.

• Taking other medication - such as the antibiotic metronidazole or the antacid cimetidine.

As a pharmacy medicine, all orders are screened by a pharmacist before approval and supply, to ensure your safety.

Ovex side effects

Ovex is generally well tolerated. A very small amount of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, instead staying in the gut to target worms.

However, some minor side effects can occur including:

• Common side effects - temporary stomach discomfort, mild abdominal pain, wind (flatulence) or mild diarrhoea

• Rare side effects - skin rashes or dizziness.

Other side effects, whilst very rare require immediate medical attention and include:

• An allergic reaction - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, with difficulty breathing

• Seizures.

How to buy Ovex from Quick Meds

If you suspect a threadworm infection and are looking to access quick, discreet treatment, you can purchase Ovex online through Quick Meds.

As a GPhC-registered online pharmacy, we offer access to licensed treatments obtained from registered wholesalers. Our clinicians are trained to the highest industry standards to help with your health needs.

Follow this step-by-step process to get treatment today:

1. Visit the Quick Meds website and navigate to the threadworms page.

2. Complete a brief online consultation

3. Select your chosen treatment and checkout

4. Our UK-based prescribers will review your answers for suitability

5. Once approved, orders are dispatched usually on the same day, in plain, discreet packaging with next day delivery available.