Skip to product information
1 of 1

  • Images are for illustration purposes only

Ovex Family Pack

Ovex Family Pack

  • 1. Ozempic®️-equivalent therapy now available for weight management
  • 2. Average weight loss of 17%, with 1 in 3 patients achieving over 20%
  • 3. May help reduce osteoarthritis-related pain
  • 4. Wegovy®️ is not expected to impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
  • 5. Supports cardiovascular risk reduction
  • 6. Over 22 million patients treated with semaglutide-based therapies since 2018

  • ✔️ Treats threadworm infections in adults and children aged two+
  • ✔️ Single 100mg mebendazole dose clears worms effectively
  • ✔️ Four tablets treat the whole household simultaneously
  • ✔️ Tablet can be chewed, swallowed, or crushed for easy use
  • ✔️ Second dose option available if reinfection occurs

Price Checker

Regular price £9.99
Sale price £9.99 £13.99
Sale Sold out
  • Lowest price guarantee
  • Includes FREE private prescription
View full details

 

Is Ovex Family Pack the Right Threadworm Treatment for the Whole Family?

 

Threadworms are one of the most common parasitic infections in the UK, particularly among school-age children. They spread easily — often before anyone even realises there's a problem. The good news? Treatment is straightforward. threadworm treatment for the whole family is exactly what the Ovex Family Pack is designed to deliver, containing four mebendazole 100mg tablets so every household member can be treated in one go. At just £9.99, it's a practical, clinician-recommended option you can order without a prescription.

Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) cause intense itching around the bottom, particularly at night. The NHS advises treating all household members simultaneously, even if only one person has symptoms, because the eggs spread so easily through touch, bedding, and shared surfaces. You can also browse our Baby and Toddler range for additional products to support your child's health during and after treatment.

 

How Does Ovex Family Pack Work Against Threadworms?

 

The active ingredient in Ovex is mebendazole, an anthelmintic (anti-worm) medicine. It works by interfering with the worms' ability to absorb glucose — essentially starving them. Without a glucose supply, the worms cannot survive and are gradually expelled from the body through normal bowel movements.

  • Mebendazole binds to tubulin proteins in the threadworm's gut cells
  • This disrupts glucose uptake at a cellular level
  • The worms become immobilised and die within a few days
  • Dead worms are passed naturally — no purging or laxatives needed

It's worth noting that mebendazole has very low systemic absorption, meaning very little of the medicine enters your bloodstream. This is one reason it's considered well-tolerated for most people when used as directed.

 

Who Should Use Ovex Family Pack?

 

Ovex Family Pack is suitable for adults and children aged two years and over. Because threadworms spread so readily within households, the NHS recommends treating everyone living in the home at the same time — not just the person with symptoms. This pack contains four tablets, making it ideal for families of up to four people.

  • Adults and children aged 2 years and over with confirmed or suspected threadworm infection
  • All household members, even those without symptoms
  • People who have had repeated threadworm infections and need a reliable, accessible treatment
  • Families wanting a single, convenient pack rather than buying individual treatments

It is not suitable for children under two years of age, pregnant women (especially in the first trimester), or anyone with a known hypersensitivity to mebendazole. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before use.

 

How Does Ovex Family Pack Compare to Other Threadworm Treatments?

 

Feature Ovex Family Pack Pripsen Powder (Piperazine)
Active ingredient Mebendazole 100mg Piperazine phosphate
Suitable age 2 years and over 3 months and over
Dosage form Chewable/swallowable tablet Oral powder (mixed with milk)
Tablets per pack 4 tablets (family use) Single or dual sachets

 

How Should You Store Ovex Family Pack and Is It Clinically Suitable for You?

 

Store Ovex Family Pack below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. The tablets should be kept in their original blister pack until use.

If you or a family member has liver disease, Crohn's disease, or is taking other medicines (particularly metronidazole or cimetidine), speak to your pharmacist before using this product. Ovex is a well-established threadworm treatment for the whole family, but individual health circumstances always matter. If symptoms persist after two doses, or if you're unsure whether threadworms are the cause of your symptoms, consult your GP.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Ovex Family Pack specifications
Treatment category Anthelmintic / Threadworm treatment
Active ingredient Mebendazole 100mg
Mechanism of action Inhibits glucose uptake in threadworms, causing their death
Suitable for Adults and children aged 2 years and over
Pack size 4 tablets
Strength 100mg per tablet
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Anthelmintic (benzimidazole)
Preparation Tablet (chewable or swallowable)
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Ovex Family Pack

 

What Is Ovex Family Pack and What Is It Used For?

 

Ovex Family Pack is an over-the-counter anthelmintic medicine used to treat threadworm infections (enterobiasis) in adults and children aged two years and over. Each pack contains four tablets, each containing 100mg of mebendazole. Threadworms are small, white, thread-like worms that live in the gut and lay eggs around the anal area, causing itching — particularly at night. The NHS estimates threadworms are the most common worm infection in the UK, and they are especially prevalent in children of primary school age.

Treating the whole household at once is essential. Even if only one person has symptoms, other family members are very likely to have been exposed. Ovex Family Pack makes this straightforward by providing one tablet per person for up to four people.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Ovex Family Pack?

 

Before taking Ovex, read the following carefully. Some people should not use this medicine, and others may need to take extra precautions.

Do not use Ovex Family Pack if you:

  • Are allergic to mebendazole or any other ingredient in the tablet
  • Are pregnant, particularly in the first trimester
  • Are giving it to a child under two years of age

Take extra care and speak to your pharmacist or GP if you:

  • Have liver disease or impaired liver function
  • Have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Are breastfeeding (small amounts of mebendazole may pass into breast milk)
  • Have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to benzimidazole medicines

Known drug interactions:

  • Metronidazole — concurrent use may increase the risk of skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported in rare cases)
  • Cimetidine — may increase plasma levels of mebendazole by inhibiting its metabolism
  • Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenytoin — may reduce the effectiveness of mebendazole

 

How Should You Use Ovex Family Pack?

 

Using Ovex correctly gives you the best chance of clearing the infection and preventing it from coming back. Follow these steps carefully.

  1. Each person in the household takes one tablet (100mg mebendazole)
  2. The tablet can be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with a small amount of food
  3. It can be taken with or without food — there is no need to fast beforehand
  4. Treat all household members on the same day, even if they have no symptoms
  5. If reinfection is suspected, a second dose may be taken two weeks after the first
  6. Maintain strict hygiene measures for at least six weeks: wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating, keep fingernails short, shower or bath every morning, and wash bedding and nightwear regularly
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Threadworm infection Adults and children aged 2+ 1 tablet (100mg) Single dose; repeat after 2 weeks if needed
Threadworm infection Children under 2 years Not recommended Seek GP advice

If you are looking for additional support for digestive discomfort during or after treatment, our IBS and Cramps collection may be helpful.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Ovex Family Pack?

 

Most people tolerate Ovex well. Because mebendazole is poorly absorbed from the gut, systemic side effects are uncommon. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Mild abdominal pain or stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Flatulence
  • Nausea

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Skin rash or itching (not related to the worm infection itself)
  • Elevated liver enzymes (with prolonged use at higher doses — not typical for single-dose threadworm treatment)

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but possible. Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction.

 

How Should You Store Ovex Family Pack?

 

Correct storage keeps the medicine safe and effective until you need it.

  • Store below 25°C in a dry place
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister pack or outer carton
  • Do not store in a bathroom cabinet — humidity can affect the tablets
  • Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal

If you need to manage other aspects of your family's health alongside threadworm treatment, take a look at our First Aid collection for everyday essentials.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Ovex Family Pack online in the UK?

You can buy Ovex Family Pack online from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy, without a prescription. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine, meaning it is available over the counter for adults and children aged two years and over. Simply add it to your basket and complete a short health questionnaire at checkout to confirm suitability.

How does Ovex Family Pack work in the body?

Ovex contains mebendazole, which works by blocking the threadworms' ability to absorb glucose — their only energy source. Without glucose, the worms become paralysed and die within a few days, then pass naturally out of the body. The medicine has very low systemic absorption, so it acts mainly within the gut rather than entering the bloodstream in significant amounts.

How do I use Ovex Family Pack step by step?

Each person in the household takes one 100mg mebendazole tablet on the same day. The tablet can be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with a small amount of food — whichever is easiest. Alongside the tablet, strict hygiene measures such as handwashing, short fingernails, and daily showering should be maintained for at least six weeks to prevent reinfection.

What is the correct dose of Ovex for adults and children?

The dose is one 100mg tablet for adults and children aged two years and over — the same dose applies regardless of age or weight within this group. A second dose can be taken two weeks after the first if reinfection is suspected or symptoms return. Children under two years of age should not be given Ovex; speak to your GP for advice on treating very young children.

What is the best time to take Ovex Family Pack?

There is no specific time of day that is clinically required — Ovex can be taken at any time, with or without food. Many families find it easiest to take the tablets together at mealtimes so no one is missed. The most important thing is that all household members take their dose on the same day.

What are the side effects of Ovex Family Pack and how do I manage them?

Side effects are uncommon but may include mild abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, or flatulence — these usually resolve on their own without any treatment. If you experience a skin rash, dizziness, or any sign of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately. Taking the tablet with food may help reduce any stomach discomfort.

Who is eligible to use Ovex Family Pack?

Ovex Family Pack is suitable for adults and children aged two years and over who have a confirmed or suspected threadworm infection, as well as all other household members who may have been exposed. It is not suitable for pregnant women (especially in the first trimester), children under two, or anyone with a known allergy to mebendazole. If you have liver disease or are taking other medicines, speak to your pharmacist before use.

Can Ovex Family Pack be used during pregnancy?

Ovex is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, as the safety of mebendazole in early pregnancy has not been fully established. If you are pregnant and think you have threadworms, speak to your GP or midwife who can advise on the safest approach. Hygiene measures alone — such as thorough handwashing and keeping fingernails short — can help manage the infection without medication.

What happens if I miss a dose of Ovex Family Pack?

If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember — there is no strict timing requirement for a single-dose treatment. If you are treating the whole household and one person misses their dose, they should take it as soon as possible, ideally on the same day as everyone else. If two weeks have passed and symptoms persist, a second dose can be taken at that point.

What are the alternatives to Ovex Family Pack for threadworms?

The main alternative anthelmintic available in the UK is piperazine, sold under the brand name Pripsen, which is suitable from three months of age and may be preferred for very young children. Strict hygiene measures — including daily bathing, handwashing, and washing bedding at 60°C — are recommended alongside any medication and can help prevent reinfection. You can also explore our Head Lice collection if you are dealing with other common childhood infections at the same time.

How long does it take for Ovex to clear a threadworm infection?

Mebendazole begins working shortly after the dose is taken, but it may take several days for all the worms to die and be expelled from the body. Itching around the bottom may continue for a week or two after treatment as the body clears the dead worms — this does not necessarily mean the treatment has failed. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, a second dose is recommended.

How long can you use Ovex Family Pack for?

Ovex is intended for short-term use — typically a single dose, repeated once after two weeks if reinfection is suspected. It is not designed for long-term or continuous use. If you find your family is experiencing repeated threadworm infections, speak to your GP or pharmacist about hygiene strategies and whether further investigation is needed.

Does Ovex Family Pack treat other types of worms?

Mebendazole is also effective against other intestinal worms including roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm, though Ovex is specifically licensed and indicated for threadworm treatment in the UK at the 100mg single dose. If you suspect a different type of worm infection — particularly after travelling abroad — consult your GP, as different doses or treatment courses may be required. Our Travel health collection has further resources for travel-related health concerns.

Is Ovex Family Pack safe to take alongside other medicines?

Ovex can interact with certain medicines, including metronidazole (an antibiotic), cimetidine (used for indigestion), and some anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenytoin. If you or any family member is taking prescription medicines, check with your pharmacist before using Ovex. For most people taking no regular medication, a single dose of mebendazole is well tolerated with a low risk of interactions.

What are the latest studies on mebendazole for threadworm treatment?

Mebendazole has been used to treat threadworm infections for decades and remains the first-line recommended treatment in UK clinical guidelines, including those from the NHS and the British National Formulary. Its efficacy and safety profile are well established through extensive clinical use. Research continues into its broader antiparasitic applications, but for threadworm treatment at the standard 100mg dose, it remains a clinically trusted and widely recommended option.

How Should You Use Ovex Family Pack?

Using Ovex correctly is simple, but it's important to follow the steps below to make sure the treatment works and that reinfection doesn't occur. The tablet can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, making it easy to fit into your family's routine.

Hygiene measures are just as important as the tablet itself. Threadworm eggs can survive on surfaces, bedding, and under fingernails for up to two weeks, so maintaining good hygiene throughout this period is essential to prevent the cycle from starting again.

What Is the Correct Dose of Ovex Family Pack?

The dose of Ovex is the same for all eligible individuals — one 100mg mebendazole tablet per person. There is no weight-based dosing adjustment required within the eligible age group. Do not give more than one tablet per person per dose.

When Is the Best Time to Use Ovex Family Pack?

There is no clinically required time of day to take Ovex — it can be taken morning, afternoon, or evening, with or without food. Many families find it easiest to take the tablets together at a mealtime so that no household member is accidentally missed. The key priority is that everyone in the household takes their dose on the same day, as this prevents untreated individuals from reinfecting others.

If you are taking a second dose two weeks after the first, the same flexible timing applies. Continue hygiene measures throughout this period regardless of when you take the tablet.

How Long Can You Use Ovex Family Pack For?

Ovex is designed for short-term use only. In most cases, a single dose is sufficient to clear a threadworm infection. A second dose may be taken two weeks later if symptoms persist or reinfection is suspected — this is the maximum recommended course for self-treatment without medical supervision.

If your family experiences repeated threadworm infections despite treatment and hygiene measures, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Prolonged or frequent use of mebendazole beyond the recommended course is not advised without professional guidance.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
0%
(0)
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Andrea Wilson

Great. Delivery could be a bit quicker.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Ovex Family Pack?

Most people who take Ovex tolerate it well. Because mebendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, systemic side effects are uncommon at the standard 100mg dose used for threadworm treatment. However, some people may experience mild digestive symptoms, particularly if the worm burden is heavy.

  • Mild abdominal pain or stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Flatulence (wind)
  • Nausea

These effects are generally short-lived and resolve on their own. Taking the tablet with food may help reduce any stomach discomfort.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Ovex Family Pack?

Less common side effects occur in a small number of people and are more likely to be noticed if mebendazole is used at higher doses or for longer courses than those used for threadworm treatment. At the standard single dose, these are rarely reported.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Skin rash or itching (distinct from the itching caused by the worm infection itself)
  • Elevated liver enzymes (associated with prolonged high-dose use — not typical at the 100mg single dose)
  • Vomiting

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Ovex Family Pack?

Serious side effects from a single dose of mebendazole are rare but can occur. You should stop taking Ovex and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeat; or a sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or widespread rash — particularly if you are also taking metronidazole, as rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported with this combination
  • Severe abdominal pain that does not resolve

These reactions are uncommon, but it is important to be aware of them. If you are unsure whether a symptom is serious, contact NHS 111 or your GP for advice.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects of Ovex?

For mild side effects such as stomach cramps or nausea, no specific treatment is usually needed — rest and staying hydrated is generally sufficient. If diarrhoea is troublesome, avoid rich or fatty foods until it settles. Do not take additional doses of Ovex to try to speed up recovery from side effects.

If you experience a serious reaction, stop taking the medicine immediately and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Can Ovex Family Pack Interact With Other Medicines?

Ovex can interact with certain medicines, which may affect how well it works or increase the risk of side effects. The most clinically significant interactions include:

  • Metronidazole — concurrent use has been associated with rare but serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Cimetidine — may increase blood levels of mebendazole by slowing its breakdown in the liver
  • Carbamazepine and phenytoin — these anticonvulsants may reduce the effectiveness of mebendazole

Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies, before using Ovex.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

We’re a safe and
regulated UK service

Registered Pharmacy Badge

Lowest Price Guarantee

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

100% discreet packaging

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

Agent

Need help?
Talk to our friendly experts now

How our service works

Service Setup

Service setup

Discreet Packaging

Discreet packaging

Express Delivery

Express delivery