Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.  (DOWNLOAD)

• You may need to read it again before, during or after use of this medicine.
• If you have any further questions, ask your health care provider.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may
  harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in
  this leaflet, please inform your health care provider.

In this leaflet:
1. What Albendazole Tablet is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Albendazole Tablet
3. How to use Albendazole Tablet
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Albendazole Tablet
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. WHAT ALBENDAZOLE TABLET IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

Albendazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE ALBENDAZOLE TABLET
Before taking Albendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other Benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs (such as Mebendazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of liver disease, biliary tract problems (such as blockage), blood/bone marrow disorders.

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.

Warnings and precautions
Albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while taking Albendazole and for at least 3 days after your last dose.

Other medicines and Albendazole Tablet
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• Dexamethasone
• Praziquantel or
• Cimetidine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Albendazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Albendazole should not be administered during pregnancy or in women thought to be pregnant.
Albendazole is known to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in animals. Adequate human data during lactation are not available.

Driving and using machines
Since dizziness has been reported following treatment with Albendazole tablet, caution is recommended in patients performing skilled tasks.

3. HOW TO USE ALBENDAZOLE TABLET
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush or chew it and swallow with a full glass of water.
You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of Albendazole, or certain effects that can result when the parasites die within your body.

Albendazole doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
Use Albendazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Albendazole can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests.

Your liver function may also need to be checked every 2 weeks.

If you use more Albendazole tablet than you should
Report to your doctor or pharmacist immediately if a case of overdose occurs.

If you forget to use Albendazole tablet
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.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed.
• A seizure; or
• Increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, confusion
• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Dizziness, spinning sensation; or
• Temporary hair loss.

5. HOW TO STORE ALBENDAZOLE TABLET

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30°C.
• Do not use Albendazole Tablet after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and label ‘EXP DATE’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION.
Each Albendazole 200 Tablet contains: Albendazole 200mg.
Each Albendazole 400 Tablet contains: Albendazole 400mg.

What ALBENDAZOLE TABLET looks like and contents of the pack
Albendazole 200mg: 1 x 2 tablets packed in blisters and placed in inner carton.
Albendazole 400mg: 1 x 1 tablet packed in blister and placed in an inner carton.