Ovex Suspension: Ovex suspension contains 6 x 5ml single doses for the whole family. Ovex is a single 5ml dose treatment for threadworms. For adults and children over 2 years. Designed for treating gastrointestinal infestations of Enterobius vermicularis (threadworm). All members of the family should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection. Another tablet can be used 2 weeks after initial tablet if reinfection occurs. Ovex Family Pack is a medicine which is used to treat threadworm (sometimes known as pinworm) infections of the gut. The tablets contain mebendazole, which is one of a group of medicines called ‘anthelmintics’. This medicine is for use in adults and children aged over 2 years. What are threadworms? Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny white parasitic worms that live in the bowel. They are approximately half an inch long and resemble threads of white cotton – hence the name threadworms. How common are threadworms? Threadworms are extremely common, especially in children. It is estimated that up to 40% of children under ten years in the UK may be affected at any one time. Once a child has threadworms, it is very easy for the rest of the family to get them. How do they spread? Threadworms spread by producing large numbers of tiny eggs. These eggs are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. When swallowed, the eggs pass into the bowel where they hatch into worms. When mature, the female threadworm lays her eggs at night around the anal area, which causes an “itchy bottom”. The resulting irritation can cause intense scratching, which may lead to further infections if the skin becomes sore or broken. Scratching also allows transfer of the eggs to the fi ngers and nails. Eggs can then be easily transferred to the mouth by finger sucking or nail biting, causing re-infection, and spread to other members of the family by direct contact or via food, towels and bed linen etc. Threadworm eggs are present in house dust; they stick to clothing, carpets, towels and bed linen; they can also be picked up on unwashed vegetables and salads. Because the eggs are so small and so widespread, it is very easy for them to be swallowed. Lifecycle of threadworms 2 - 6 weeks. 1. Scratching the bottom transfers eggs to fi ngers and from there back to the mouth or to others either by direct contact or via food, bed linen etc. 2. Eggs swallowed. 3. Female worms migrate to the anal area to lay eggs at night. Are they harmful? Threadworms do not cause serious damage but they are an irritating problem. Besides the intense itching, which can be distressing and embarrassing for the sufferer, they can also lead to disturbed sleep, tummy aches, irritable crying, loss of appetite or an unusually large appetite. Sometimes, threadworms can be transferred to the vagina and urinary passage. This can result in vaginal irritation and discharge, symptoms of cystitis or bed wetting.