Vermox is a very efficient antiparasitic medication that is available both as a tablet and as an oral suspension. Developed and marketed by Janssen pharmaceutical company, Vermox is commonly used for the treatment of threadworm infections, but also in dealing with roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Based on mebendazole as an active ingredient, Vermox belongs to anthelmic class of medications, acting within the body by preventing the worms from absorbing the essential sugars they need in order to survive. As a consequence, the parasites will begin depleting their supplies of sugar until they become weak and eventually die.

What’s on this page?

The medical experts and the patients alike think very highly of Vermox as it is highly effective at combating worm infections and providing relief from the symptoms of infection by eliminating its source. It is available for purchase in two forms – chewable tablets and liquid suspensions.

How dangerous are threadworm infections?

Threadworm infections are rather common in the United Kingodm, with young children being the most commonly affected. The parasitic worms causing the infection inhabit the large intestine where they can live for as long as six weeks. However, during the short lifespan of the female worms, they manage to lay a very significant number of eggs around the anus of the host. Once the eggs hatch and new worms emerge, they will return to the intestine and the cycle will continue.

While not really dangerous, threadworm infections can be very unpleasant and annoying and as long as no treatment is used, they can be rather long-lasting. The infection can be easily missed since the condition can remain completely asymptomatic in a noticeable portion of cases. When the symptoms do manifest, they most commonly include an itching sensation around the anus which peaks during the night when the female worms exit the large intestine in order to lay eggs around the rectal opening. And if the condition progresses and becomes severe, further complications may ensue, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Skin infections
  • Bed wetting
  • Spread of the parasites to the liver
  • Spread of the parasites to the female reproductive system

How are threadworm infections treated?

Once the infection has been diagnosed, the first thing that should be done is imposing a strict hygiene regime in the home in order to prevent recurring infections. This involves changing and washing all the bedding as well as thoroughly cleaning the whole house with special focus on bathroom, bedrooms and kitchen. Personal hygiene is also very important in managing and eventually eliminating the infection.

However, while measures like these are very important in minimising the risk of reinfection, treatment with antiparasitic medications such as Vermox cannot be avoided and, ideally, all members of the household should commence treatment on the same day in order to kill off the living worms at roughly the same time.

You can find more about threadworms here.

How Vermox treats threadworm infections?

Vermox is available in two forms – chewable tablets and a liquid solution – and both forms contain the same active ingredient, mebendazole. The mechanism of action of Vermox involves inhibiting the threadworms’ ability to absorb glucose, thus cutting of their food supply and forcing them to consume the stores of sugar within them. Within days, the lack of sugar will make the worms weak causing them to begin to die off. Dead worms will eventually be passed out of the body through faeces. Your doctor is highly likely to recommend a secondary dose in two weeks in order to prevent reinfection.

Can I buy Vermox online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Vermox online, even though it is a prescription-only medication in the UK. To do so, you will have to contact some of the online pharmacies working in the UK and use the functionality of their website to consult with a doctor online. You will most likely be required to fill in a specialised medical questionnaire that will help the doctor get a better understanding of your medical profile and history. Using this information, it will be possible to make an informed decision regarding your suitability for using Vermox. If everything is in order, the prescription will be issued and used to have the medication sent from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided.

How is Vermox used?

In order to ensure success when using Vermox while at the same time minimising the risk of experiencing side effects, you should always use the medication exactly as instructed by your prescriber and in line with the guidelines provided in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medication.

Below, we will provide you with a brief overview of the most general guidelines for using Vermox suspension and Vermox tablets. Keep in mind that what follows can never be used as a substitute for the official information or the doctor’s advice. Instead, the text below is here just for illustrative purposes – to help you get a better idea of what to expect from using Vermox.

How to use Vermox suspension?

  • Shake the bottle
  • Take five millilitres of suspension per day (for threadworm infections)
  • The doctor might recommend you a second course of treatment two weeks after the first one

How to use Vermox tablets?

  • Take one tablet daily (for threadworm infections)
  • The tablet can be taken whole or chewed
  • A second course might be recommended in order to prevent reinfection

What are Vermox side effects?

Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Rare (1 in 1000 users)
·       Stomach ache

·       Diarrhoea

·       Flatulence

·       Stomach discomfort

 

·       Rash

·       Hair loss

·       Dizziness

·       Inflammation of the liver

·       Reduction of white blood cells

Please note that this is not a complete list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Vermox.