Albenza

Albenza

     * Generic Name: albendazole
     * Brand Name: Albenza


     * What is albendazole?
     * What are the possible side effects of albendazole?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       albendazole?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       albendazole?
     * How should I take albendazole?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking albendazole?
     * What other drugs will affect albendazole?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is albendazole?

   Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti- worm
   medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from
   growing or multiplying in your body.

   Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as
   pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

   Albendazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of albendazole?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * signs of bone marrow suppression--sudden weakness or ill
       feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or
       swollen gums, trouble swallowing, easy bruising or bleeding; or
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
     * dizziness, spinning sensation;
     * headache; or
     * temporary hair loss.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about albendazole?

   Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy, unless there is no
   alternate treatment. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test
   before starting this treatment.

   Albenza Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   10 Facts About the Amazing Brain
   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking albendazole?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albendazole, or
   to similar drugs such as mebendazole (Vermox).

   To make sure albendazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * liver disease; or
     * bone marrow suppression.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby.
   Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy, unless there is no
   alternate treatment. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
   become pregnant while using this medicine. Use effective birth control
   to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 1
   month after your treatment ends.

   You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this
   treatment.

   It is not known whether albendazole passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

How should I take albendazole?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take with food.

   In a young child (or anyone who is unable to swallow a whole
   albendazole tablet), the tablet should be crushed or chewed and
   swallowed with a full glass of water.

   You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of
   albendazole, or certain effects that can result when the parasites die
   within your body.

   Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Albendazole doses
   are based on weight.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
   may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
   antibiotics. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as
   the flu or a common cold.

   Albendazole can weaken your immune system. Your blood may need to
   be tested often. You will need frequent blood tests (every 2 weeks) to
   check your liver function.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Albenza Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   10 Facts About the Amazing Brain
   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking albendazole?

   Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your
   doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect albendazole?

   Other drugs may interact with albendazole, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about albendazole.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.