What is Albenza?

Albenza is an anthelmintic or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body. Albenza is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm. Albenza may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with meals as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. If you or your child have trouble swallowing tablets, you may crush or chew your dose and take it with water.
• For some conditions (such as hydatid disease), your doctor may direct you to take this medication in a treatment cycle (for example, twice daily with meals for 28 days then stopping the medication for 2 weeks). Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
• The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If your doctor directs you to take this medication in a treatment cycle, it may be helpful to mark the calendar with a reminder of when you need to restart the medication.
• Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
• Other medications (such as corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications) may also be prescribed for your current condition. Take those medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
• Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: liver disease, biliary tract problems (such as blockage), blood/bone marrow disorders.

Also be aware that:

• This medication may cause liver problems. Because drinking alcohol increases the risk of liver problems, limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using albendazole. Albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 days after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or temporary hair loss may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Severe headache that doesn't go away, vision changes, yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), confusion, very stiff neck.
• Seizures.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Albenza?

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