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

• Do not take Albenza if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following Albenza therapy.
• Take Albenza with food to lessen stomach upset.

What is Albenza?

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

Who should not take Albenza?

• Before taking Albenza, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you have liver problems.
• Albenza is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Albenza without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should also be avoided for at least 1 month following therapy with Albenza.
• It is not known whether Albenza passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Do not take Albenza without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Albenza?

• Take Albenza exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Albenza tablets with food to lessen stomach upset.
• Take all of the Albenza 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.
• Fasting, laxatives, or purging will not help to cure this infection.
• Store Albenza at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking Albenza?

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

What are the possible side effects of Albenza?

• Stop taking Albenza 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 and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting;
  • headache;
  • dizziness ;or
  • a fever.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Albenza?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking
  • dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol),
  • praziquantel (Biltricide), or
  • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
• These medicines may increase the level of Albenza in your body. Your doctor will want to monitor drug interactions and make adjustments in dosage.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Albenza. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.