Do not take when pregnant, and do not become pregnant for one month after taking this drug.

Dosing of ALBENZA (albendazole) will vary, depending upon which of the following parasitic infections is being treated. In young children, the tablets should be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water.

Albenza is best taken with meals, especially with food containing fat, to help your body absorb the medicine better.

For patients taking the tablet form of albenza:
Tablets should be swallowed whole with a small amount of liquid.

To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor for the full time of treatment . In some infections, additional treatments with this medicine may be needed at 2-week intervals to clear up the infection completely. Do not miss any doses.

Stop taking the medicine and check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Fever
• skin rash or itching
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness and weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Rare

• Thinning or loss of hair
  
  

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Albenza may cause dizziness, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, or temporary hair loss.

In rare cases it may cause persistent sore throat, severe headache, seizures, vision problems, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, easy bruising, mental/mood changes, very stiff neck, change in amount of urine. Elevation of liver enzymes during treatment is a common side effect, but in rare cases there have also been reports of acute liver failure. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Rarely Albenza has been reported to cause marrow suppression, agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia which may be permanent. The risk of developing this side effect seems to be increased in patients with liver disease, including echinococcal cysts. Because of this dangerous side effect it is important to regularly monitor complete blood counts.