Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side ef fects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

this medicine Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after 'USE BY'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

What is in this medicine These tablets contain Mebendazole 100 mg, which is the active ingredient. As well as the active ingredient, the tablets also contain microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, talc, maize starch, sodium saccharin, magnesium stearate, cottonseed oil – hydrogenated, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium laurilsulfate, sunse t yellow (E110), flavour (orange). (For further information on some of the ingredients see "Other important information"). The pack contains 4 pale orange tablets.

Who makes this medicine Manufactured for The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA by Lusomedicamenta Sociedade Técnica Farmacêutica, S.A., Estrada Consiglieri Pedroso 69 -B, Queluz, 2730055 Barcarena, Portugal. Marketing Authorisation held by McNeil Products Limited, 50 – 100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4EG, UK

This leaflet was last revised in May 2023 If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA Other formats To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name: Boots 2 Years Plus Threadworm Tablets Reference number: 15513/0314 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

All about Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) What are threadworms? Threadworms are the most common worm infestation affecting humans in the UK. They are particularly common in children. Up to 40 percent of children under 10 years are estimated to suffer from threadworms at any one time. Threadworms live in the bowel. The females grow to about half an inch long (10 mm). This makes them look like tiny threads of white cotton – hence their popular name "threadworms". How can I tell if my child has threadworms? Threadworms can be difficult to detect. The first signs are likely to be itching and irritation around the anal area, particularly at night. This is when the female worm lays her eggs. A child may also become irritable from disturbed sleep or bedwetting, or suffer from tummy aches and loss of appetite. Are threadworms harmful? Normally threadworms cause no problems other than itching, which can be distressing and embarrassing. Complications from threadworms are unusual, though girls may develop an infection in the vaginal area or urinary passage. If your child is showing any signs of vaginal irritation, discharge, cystitis or bedwetting, you should see your doctor. How do threadworms spread? The first thing to be assured of is that having threadworms doesn't mean that you, or your family are not clean. In fact, children are more likely to pick up threadworms at school than at home. Threadworm eggs are very widespread and so small that they can't be seen with the naked eye. They are often found in house dust, bedding, clothes, towels, on furniture or toys, unwash ed salad vegetables and sometimes contaminated food. Once the eggs are on the hands, they are easily transferred to the mouth and swallowed. In the bowel the eggs hatch and the mature female threadworms crawl through the anus to lay more eggs. When the child scratches, eggs are picked up under the fingernails. These find their way onto toys or other objects or pass straight into the mouth when the child sucks its fingers or bites its nails. Quite often other members of the family can become infected and once a pattern of infection and reinfection has been established, the correct treatment is needed to break the cycle.

Are threadworms easy to treat? Yes. It is strongly recommended that all members of the family are treated at the same time as a precaution against reinfection. If a family member is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, or if there's a child under 2 years old, a threadworm tablet should not be taken, and you should see your doctor for advice. What else should I do? As well as a threadworm tablet, you'll need to take some extra precautions to guard against reinfection. The eggs are taken into the body through the mouth, so it pays to be particularly careful with hygiene. General Advice

• Scrub hands and under finger nails after each visit to the toilet and before preparing or eating food
• Disinfect the toilet seat, toilet handle and bathroom door handle regularly
• Vacuum and dust bedrooms thoroughly
• After treatment, wash all nightwear, bedclothes, and towels on the hottest wash cycle they will tolerate to destroy any eggs that may be present To help against reinfection
• Make sure everyone in the family is treated at the same time
• Keep nails short and discourage children from nail-biting and finger-sucking
• For young children wearing a pair of mittens in bed will help to discourage scratching
• Daily bathing, with thorough washing around the bottom is also important
• Wearing underwear in bed will help to prevent eggs falling onto sheets The lifecycle of an adult threadworm can be as long as six weeks, so it's wise to continue with these measures for at least six weeks after treatment. If reinfection is suspected, further treatment may be required. If you have any concerns or want further advice talk to your pharmacist or doctor.