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Pregnancy

Ovex (mebendazole)

26 replies

SaucyJack · 14/10/2013 17:32

Does anyone know if this is something that you really musn't take during pregnancy, or if it's just something they want you to go via the GP for just to cover their own backsides?

Just bought some at the chemist OTC to "do" the kids with, and don't want to waste mine or the GP's time with if she'd only give me the same thing if I made an appt for myself.

I shall spare those of you with a delicate constitution the gories, but it is necessary Blush

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lizziekal · 14/10/2013 18:11

The wonders of Wikipedia:
"Mebendazole is contraindicated in pregnant women because it has been shown to be embryotoxic and teratogenic in experimental animals." Nasty stuff.

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SaucyJack · 14/10/2013 19:35

Thanks- yeah I did read that. I just wondered if anyone knew the cold, hard facts re: human foetuses. I would hope it did kill off animals tbh- that's the point! Wink

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LadyMedea · 14/10/2013 20:11

The FDA info is here www.drugs.com/pro/mebendazole.html

That link also includes the results of the one study that looked at exposure in pregnancy which showed no increase in malformations or miscarriage.

I'm generally quite chilled about medication in pregnancy but this would make me a bit antsy even with that study result. Probably better to avoid in first trimester at least as that is the most vulnerable time for birth defects. The further along you are the less bothered I'd be in your shoes.

This is the position of the NHS clinical knowledge summary too... cks.nice.org.uk/threadworm#!scenariorecommendation:3

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tinkerbell666 · 14/10/2013 21:33

Those type of creatures do have a life cycle, so i suggest you stick to a strict hygiene routine and not take anything, also apparently carrots can kill them ?? my dd had them when i was pg, i took nothing, but there is a powder stuff you can get from gp if you need treatment.

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mamalovesbaby777 · 09/01/2014 18:08

Hello there SaucyJack

Just wondering if you took it in the end, and if all was well?
I'm in the same boat now and can't decide what to do.
16 weeks pregnant and have threadworms Blush

x

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tinkerbell666 · 09/01/2014 18:17

Like someone said up there carrots are good for some reason ? I think when pg you can get a powder stuff from gp, but shouldn't take the tablets.

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snapple21 · 09/01/2014 18:23

I think if you go to your gp they will prescribe you this out of the first trimester.

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mamalovesbaby777 · 09/01/2014 19:42

Hi and thanks for replying.

Doc says they don't make Pripsen anymore for the UK (the powder stuff) :( which i would have used!

Wondering if anyone knows how i might get hold of some??

The Ovex pills he won't commit to saying are ok, although says "he thinks it would be ok" hmmmm

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chickydoo · 09/01/2014 19:46

I took them, didn't know I shouldn't. Chemist said it would be fine.
It was fine DD 10 now, no problems.

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SaucyJack · 09/01/2014 23:10

Thanks for digging this one up.......... Blush Wink

Yeah, I did take one in the end. It's routinely prescribed in other countries with no reported effects, so I figured one dose really couldn't be that awful.

So far, all has been well with the baby. I am still pregnant tho, and there is of course a chance that the baby has grown an extra ear on her back or 37 toes since I took it.

But I'm happy with my choice.

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mamalovesbaby777 · 10/01/2014 11:16

Yeah soz for that SaucyJack ;)

thanks for replying guys. I'm gonna give it some days on the pumpkin seeds (not loving them i'll be honest) and cleaning and then if i can't shift them / have a nervous breakdown i'll take it. That's the plan anyway ;) I'm probably being over cautious but we lost a baby girl last year so...i'm uber cautious i suppose, although in real life i'm not at all, hence my dilemma-ing!

Doc says try and leave it til past 20 weeks.

Want to try and get hold of some Pripsen but proving difficult. I can't believe it's discontinued. How else are you supposed to treat kiddies under 2???

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Babyno15239 · 04/02/2014 18:08

Im about to crack & take it! I'm nearly 39weeks and can't bear it anymore! Xxx

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Babyno15239 · 04/02/2014 18:23

Did anyone have side effects and if so how soon after ? ??

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mamalovesbaby777 · 05/02/2014 09:23

Sorry can't help u there, as mine appear to have gone without meds. Saying that, I may have taken the tablet if they hadn't cleared up. As somebody said below, they are routinely prescribed in other countries. Don't let it spoil your special time and follow your gut. Good luck!

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MommaBearKOE · 25/07/2018 03:24

Hey I know this is a really old thread but was just wondering if anyone took the Ovex and how it turned out? I'm 38 weeks here, being induced in less than a week and I'm going out of my mind! Any answers would be appreciated

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Liz3891 · 25/07/2018 10:14

I took it very early in the 2nd trimester. I'm 24 weeks now and all looked fine on the 20 week scan, etc. Obviously doesn't mean everything IS fine, but there don't seem to be any visible problems.

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MommaBearKOE · 25/07/2018 10:24

Thanks Liz3891 I'm very tempted to take it. Both my kids have had it and my partner and the last pill is just sat in my cupboard waiting for me lol I think I'm going to do it as I only have 5 days left so it couldn't cause defects or anything like that. This baby has growing well below average for months now and I'm thinking maybe worms was the reason. Like maybe they have been taking nutrients from her?

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kikibo · 25/07/2018 11:15

According to embryotox.de (website that tells you about medication in pregnancy, sadly only in German), defects have only been observed in rats when medication was given during the 1st trimester. For the 2nd and 3rd trimesters there is more data from places where worms occur a lot and there are no defects (only positives like less anaemia, lower livelihood of stillbirth, etc. Prob IMO because infestations would affect this).
I'd think you'd be in the clear whatever.

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MommaBearKOE · 25/07/2018 11:48

Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I called the maternity hospital and got a doctor, he told me to take the Ovex so I did. Here's hoping this and all the hygiene measures kill all the wee beasts!

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Sarahn89 · 20/08/2018 18:51

I need help im 14 weeks pregnant and had worms since being 6 weeks pregnant and i cant cope any more. Iv just come back from dr again who said I cant be treated 😭😭 ovex is toxic when tasted on animals, im not due til feb 19 I cant stay like this until then. My partner and son have been given ovex but she said it is likely they will be reinfected from me. I cant cope I cant eat I cant sleep Im feel disgusting I havent gained any weight in my 14 weeks of pregnancy and im so worried for my baby. Please someone tell me its ok to take the ovex. dr couldnt provide any research to support the claim that ovex is toxic to baby only that it was toxic to animals when taken in pregnancy TIA XXXX

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MommaBearKOE · 20/08/2018 19:07

Awk I know exactly how you feel it's bloody horrible. Have you tried calling the number of the maternity hospital you'll be delivering at (non emergency line) the number should be in your maternity notes somewhere. Ask for advice from a doctor there and explain how it's affecting you. You're clearly distressed and not gaining weight from worry, all of which aren't good for you or your baby. Hopefully you'll get someone who is willing to look into it and not just say no outright because the official advice is not to take it. You're coming out of the first trimester too which apparently is when it's the most risky. Good luck and I hope you get some relief soon! X

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Sarahn89 · 20/08/2018 19:28

Thank you I did just think about calling them and had a quick look for the number will have a proper look through again now and see what they say xx

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MommaBearKOE · 22/08/2018 19:03

How did you get on? X

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FrowningFlamingo · 22/08/2018 20:24

www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Mebendazole/ This is a reliable site, hope it helps!

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Jade6 · 16/02/2019 09:51

I’m 30 weeks pregnant and have just taken a 5ml dose of a Mebendazole. My little boy (3) has worms (seen them...!). The whole house has to treated and basically fumigated. I spoke to 3 differenr professionals all with conflicting advice! GP wouldn’t really say one way or another, he said “take with caution” i.e at your own risk. The pharmacist in Boots said he wouldn’t serve me the medicine being pregnant (but let me have it for my boy and partner 🤔) and my midwife took advice from the Triage doctor who said don’t take it unless it’s been proven I’ve got them. So I treated by little one and my partner but had another sleepless night (a side effect of having worms...!) and so now convinced myself I have them! I took a 5ml does this morning. I can’t see the harm. I probably wont have the follow up dose in 2 weeks as advised like the other two but be really vigilant now washing my hands every 5 mins! I’m good anyway but will be better now. Can’t seem to shift colds lately and my boy is always starving so want rid if the pesky things! Glad I found this post x

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