A doctor will review your order and write you a prescription, if appropriate. This prescription is then forwarded to a pharmacy. The pharmacy will have your medicine delivered to you within one to three working days. Read more about this process here.
What is Helmex?
Helmex is an anthelmintic, a type of medicine that is used to treat worm infections. Its active ingredient, albendazole, works by keeping the worms and their eggs and larvae from absorbing nutrients, causing them to die. Treatment with Helmex usually cures the infection within a few days or weeks.
What is it used for?
Helmex is prescribed to treat infections caused by different types of parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, seatworms and whipworms. Passing the eggs hand to mouth, for example by eating unwashed vegetables, gardening or playing in the sandbox, is the main cause of worm infection in humans. The eggs hatch in the host’s intestine, where when grown the worms lay new eggs. Worm infections cause many different symptoms. In some cases, the only symptom is the presence of worms in the stool. Other types of worms cause abdominal complaints (nausea, stomach ache, diarrhoea) or anal itching (seatworms). Some worms, such as tapeworms, can spread via the blood and form cysts in body organs.
How to use Helmex
Depending on the type of worm infection you have, your doctor will prescribe treatment with Helmex. The duration of treatment may vary from 1 to 28 days. In some cases, a doctor may also direct you to repeat the treatment to make sure all the eggs have been removed. Helmex should preferably be taken with food. It is important to finish the course completely. In addition, hygiene measures must be taken to prevent the contamination of others. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after bathroom visits, gardening or playing outside. Always wash your hands before eating and keep fingernails clean and trimmed short.
The dosage depends on the type of worm infection you have. The duration of treatment is determined by your doctor. Always follow the prescribed dosage and read the package leaflet closely before you start using Helmex.
Helmex may cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Decreased liver function (if used for extensive periods)
- Fever during the first days of treatment
See package leaflet for more side effects, warnings and contraindications.
Do not use Helmex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Helmex may cause dizziness. Please be aware of this and stay out of traffic if you experience these side effects.
There are no known interactions between alcohol or specific foods and Helmex.