Cheap threadworm treatment?

Sparklyfairy

Hi there - I am really trying to watch the pennies & I almost fainted when I had to pay £7 for a family pack of Ovex!:eek: I need to obviously re-treat us all in 2 weeks time & I want to avoid shelling out a grand total of £14 for killing these ruddy things for us all. Does anyone have any suggestions of natural remedies (we eat LOADS of garlic - that's not helping!) or of a cheaper alternative to Ovex or online chemists to help reduce the cost? Many thanks in advance!:)

tattycath

this has been covered before
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/398538
hope this link works

Sparklyfairy

tattycath wrote: »

this has been covered before
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/398538
hope this link works

Thanks but I've read through all of that already (which is almost 4 years old now...) & there's no thread or info on this forum re: a cheaper alternative as per my original post. There must be some other moneysaving way treat these suckers!

Any help is grately received.

silkyuk9

To be honest other than online chemists its something you are going to have to get used to with having young children. Hygiene is not a priority on their list of activities so once you get rid of them you will get them again and again. The only advise i can give is to watch for the signs, usually the worms become active on an evening so if you watch for your children fidgeting or scratching then you can be certain they have the worm again. There is no complete solution. Just make sure they wash their hands and try to not bite their finger nails. Use clean towels and try to get them to use their own towel rather than share. Show your children what they look like on the internet and tell them how to eliminate the chance of them getting them again. Hopefully if they understand they will change their hygiene habits and to be honest thats how we pass the eggs on.

My kids got them at least once a year and if you are embarrassed to go to Boots etc just buy ovex or prepsin from an online chemist.

I think its just hygiene you have to take care of, this is how the eggs are easily passed, the female worm lays eggs around the anus and scratching is how they are passed on. kids do not realise and they have no shame in scratching their bums, then biting their nails then touching food etc etc.

Sami_Bee

is the treatment not free on prescription/minor ailments scheme?

Sami_Bee

The most common medications that are used to treat threadworm infections are:
mebendazole, and
piperazine.
Mebendazole

Mebendazole prevents the threadworms from being able to absorb glucose, which means that they will die within a few days.

Mebendazole is the preferred treatment option for children who are over two years of age. It can be bought over-the-counter (OTC), or prescribed by your GP, and is available as a chewable tablet or in liquid form.
As re-infection is very common, a second dose of mebendazole may be prescribed to be taken after two weeks. You should follow the dosage information that is provided on the label, or in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Very rarely, mebendazole can cause abdominal pain or diarrhoea, particularly if the infection of threadworms is very severe.

Piperazine

Piperazine paralyses the threadworms until they are pushed naturally out of the bowel. It is combined with a medication called senna, which has a laxative effect (helps you empty your bowels) to expel the worms quicker. Piperazine and senna usually come in a sachet of powder, which you mix with a small amount of milk or water before drinking.

Piperazine can be used to treat children who are between three months to two years of age. As re-infection is very common, a second dose may be taken after two weeks. As with mebendazole, dosage information will be provided on the label, or in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Piperazine is not recommended if you have epilepsy (a condition that causes seizures) or problems with your liver or kidneys.

Mebendazole and piperazine are between 90-100% effective at killing the threadworms, but they cannot kill the eggs. Strict hygiene measures should still be followed for two weeks after treatment (see above).

You should see your GP if the infection persists after using medication. They may recommend that you begin a second course of medication

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/pages/treatment.aspx

Free - can't get much cheaper than that!

silkyuk9

Sami_Bee wrote: »

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/pages/treatment.aspx

Free - can't get much cheaper than that!

if a doctor gives you a perscription its not free unless you are on benefits, or live in scotland

Buttonmoons

Omg I had those as a kid *cringe* but my mum told me they were sugar worms from eating too many sweets! (I honestly think she thought that too)

*boaks* :rotfl:

Sami_Bee

silkyuk9 wrote: »

if a doctor gives you a perscription its not free unless you are on benefits, or live in scotland

I assumed that as the OP needed a family pack and said "us all" that there were children (those mentioned in their sig) affected, who would get it for free.

Buttons I've heard the sugar thing before, someone told me you got them from eating sugar from the pot though :rotfl:

Sparklyfairy

Buttonmoons wrote: »

Omg I had those as a kid *cringe* but my mum told me they were sugar worms from eating too many sweets! (I honestly think she thought that too)

*boaks* :rotfl:

Lol! Too funny!

Ok, just called my surgery & spoke to the receptionist...she said she'll get a duty dr to ring me back..as they're for my dd (and most def my other dd has them as well..) they'll probably be free (?)...I'll ask about treating the whole family but at least that'll bring the cost down by half. I'll keep you all posted on what the duty dr says...wretched little worms!

Sparklyfairy

Phew, result! Ok, the Dr just rang me & said that although my dd has the infestation it would be pointless not to treat us all so they (hopefully) don't return. She's leaving a prescription (in my dd's name) for the liquid form & I'll collect it tomorrow am.

I would point out that if anyone suffers with these nasty creatures going down the prescription route may take longer, but it is cheaper, so it's best to weigh up the options. Thanks all for your help!