WHAT IS Albenza/Albendazole?

• Albenza/Albendazole is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.
• Albenza/Albendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.
• Albenza/Albendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Albenza/Albendazole?

• You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you have liver problems.
• Do not take Albenza/albendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Do not take Albenza/albendazole if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following Albenza/albendazole therapy.
• Take Albenza/albendazole with food to lessen stomach upset.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control left near you.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Albenza/Albendazole?

• Coumadin/warfarin
• theophyline
• caffeine
• tacrine
• phenobarbital
• Decadron/dexamethasone
• Zyprexa/olanzapine
• Clozaril/clozapine
• Dilantin er/phenytoin
• aminophyline
• cimetidine
• Requip/ropinirole
• Mexitil/mexiletine
• Tegretol/carbamazepine
• grapefruit juice

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Albenza/Albendazole?

• Take Albenza/albendazole tablets with food to lessen stomach upset.
• Take Albenza/albendazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Fasting, laxatives, or purging will not help to cure this infection.
• Take all of the Albenza/albendazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. It can take 30 days to 3 months to treat this infection.
• Store Albenza/albendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Albenza/Albendazole?

• Stop taking Albenza/albendazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Albenza/albendazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • a fever.
  • headache;
  • abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting;
  • dizziness ;or

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Albenza/Albendazole?

• Do not take Albenza/albendazole if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following treatment with Albenza/albendazole.
• There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while you are taking Albenza/albendazole unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.