Frequently asked questions about pinworm infection

The more you know about pinworm, the better you can spot the symptoms and protect yourself and your family against infection.

Get the answers you need on Pinworm Infection and how to effectively treat it

Pinworms—also known as seatworms and threadworms—are little, highly contagious parasites. Pinworms are small, thin, white worms that live in the intestine.1

When someone has pinworms, it is also known as a pinworm infection.1

In most cases, pinworm infections are not dangerous. However, intense scratching—a common symptom of pinworm—can cause a skin infection.1,2

In rare cases, pinworms carry bacteria from the anal area to the urinary tract, which may result in recurrent urinary tract infections.3

You cannot take a pill in advance to prevent a pinworm infection. Because the eggs are so small, a child can bring home the eggs unknowingly from school or a friend’s house. Once your family is treated for pinworm, you can take steps to avoid reinfection.

To help prevent reinfection, follow these tips:

  1. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. This is especially important after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.2
  2. Cut fingernails short and avoid nail biting. Eggs collect under the fingernails. Consider buying a nail brush for each family member, and sanitize the brushes after each use.4
  3. As much as possible, discourage children from scratching their bottoms, especially near the anal area—that’s where the eggs are. If you see your kids scratching their bottoms, have them wash their hands.4
  4. Change and wash underwear, pajamas, towels, and bed sheets daily. Pinworm eggs can contaminate clothing and bedding.2
  5. Do NOT shake out towels or bed sheets. The tiny eggs can become airborne and inhaled or deposited onto food and swallowed, which can spread the infection. Consider wearing a surgical mask when cleaning to avoid breathing in eggs.2,4
  6. Clean the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping. Avoid dry sweeping, which may stir up dust.4
  7. Disinfect doorknobs, toilet seats, furniture, countertops, cell phones, remote controls, and other shared surfaces the infected person may have touched, as eggs can survive up to 3 weeks on indoor surfaces.2

The most common symptom of pinworm infection is intense scratching of the bottom. This is caused by sticky eggs laid by the pinworms around the infected person’s anal area while the person sleeps at night.1,4

People with pinworm infection may also sleep poorly, be irritable, and be restless. The intense scratching of the bottom may also lead to a bacterial infection.1,2,5

Less common signs of pinworm infection include abdominal pain, teeth grinding, weight loss, bed-wetting, pain while urinating, and nausea.1,5,6

Scratching of the bottom will cause pinworm eggs to stick to fingers. Without thoroughly washing one's hands, anything the infected person touches, such as clothing, bedding, towels, toilet seats, cell phones, remote controls, and other shared surfaces, can get pinworm eggs on it that can be spread to others. Not treating an infected person increases the risk of spreading the infection.2,4,7

A pinworm infection can be detected 2 ways:

  • Using a flashlight, look for the worms around your child’s anal area 2 to 3 hours after bedtime. Pinworms look like small pieces of white thread on the skin. Keep in mind, pinworms are not easily visible.8
  • Using the “tape test,” apply clear tape around the anal area, while wearing gloves, to collect eggs first thing in the morning. Pinworm eggs can only be seen under a microscope, so put the tape in a sealed plastic bag and take it to your doctor. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water after placing the tape in the plastic bag.2

If you are uncomfortable doing these tests, call your doctor to set up an appointment.

If you see your child scratching their bottom, and they are restless at night, you should call your doctor. You do not have to confirm that your child has pinworm before calling your doctor.1,5

Pinworm can be treated with EMVERM (mebendazole). You can only get EMVERM by seeing your doctor, because EMVERM is only available by prescription. EMVERM is 95% effective against pinworm.9

EMVERM comes in a chewable, kid-friendly tablet that can also be swallowed or crushed and mixed with food. Your doctor may prescribe EMVERM for everyone in the household, because others are likely to be infected.2,7,9

The dose for adults and children aged 2 years and older is the same: one 100 mg tablet, taken once. If the patient is not cured 3 weeks after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised.9

Once pinworm eggs are spread around the house, the eggs can live on indoor surfaces for up to 3 weeks.2 However, new infectious pinworm eggs can always be brought back into your household unknowingly.

Because pinworm can come back, doctors may prescribe a second course of treatment. Besides the infected person, your doctor may also want to treat other children in the house or all family members, including adults. The medicine used to treat pinworm infection kills the pinworms but not the eggs. For this reason, your doctor may prescribe 2 courses of treatment about 3 weeks apart to prevent any reinfection.7,9

About Emverm
About Emverm
Subject to eligibility. Individual out-of-pocket costs may vary. Not valid for patients covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal or state programs. Please see full terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria here.
References: 1. Meinking TL, Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG. Clin Dermatol. 2003;21(5):407-416. 2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Red Book: 2018-2021 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2018:634-635, 994. 3. Choudhury S, Kumar B, Pal DK. Enterobius vermicularis infestation of urinary tract leading to recurrent urinary tract infection. Trop Parasitol. 2017;7(2):119-121. 4. Enterobiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/enterobiasis/index.html. Updated December 8, 2017. Accessed April 22, 2019. 5. Kucik CJ, Martin GL, Sortor BV. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(5):1161-1168. 6. Pinworm. Partners in Pediatrics. https://partnerspediatrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Pinworm.pdf. Updated May 2011. Accessed April 12, 2019. 7. Treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/treatment.html. Updated August 30, 2016. Accessed April 19, 2019. 8. Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. Pinworms. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/pinworms. Updated March 14, 2019. Accessed March 19, 2019. 9. EMVERM [prescribing information].

Important Safety and Patient Information about EMVERM

Who should not take EMVERM?

Do not take EMVERM if you are allergic to mebendazole or any of the ingredients in EMVERM. See the end of this Patient Information for a complete list of ingredients in EMVERM.

Before you take EMVERM, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if EMVERM will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. EMVERM can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take EMVERM. Do not breastfeed while taking EMVERM.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using EMVERM with certain other medicines can change the way these medicines act, causing serious side effects.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take EMVERM?

  • Take EMVERM exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
  • Take EMVERM by mouth with or without food.
  • EMVERM tablet may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food.
  • If you take too much EMVERM, you might have symptoms that include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking EMVERM?

Do not take EMVERM with metronidazole (a medicine used to treat bacterial and protozoan infections) as serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can happen.

What are the possible side effects of EMVERM?

EMVERM may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia). Neutropenia can cause you to get other infections. Your healthcare provider will check your blood count regularly during your treatment with EMVERM. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever or any signs of an infection while taking EMVERM.
  • Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis). EMVERM may cause rare, but serious skin reactions when taken with metronidazole and other medicines that contain mebendazole. These severe allergic reactions may be life-threatening and need to be treated in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical help if you have any allergic reactions or the following symptoms:
    • severe skin blisters
    • sores around the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina or penis (genitals)
    • peeling skin
    • swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
    • itchy rash (hives)

The most common side effects of EMVERM include:

  • loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • passing gas
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • rash

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of EMVERM.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store EMVERM?

  • Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

Keep EMVERM and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of EMVERM.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information. Do not use EMVERM for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EMVERM to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about EMVERM that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in EMVERM?

Active ingredient: mebendazole
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, anhydrous lactose NF, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, and FD&C Yellow #6.

What is EMVERM?

EMVERM is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 2 years of age and older with intestinal worm infections caused by pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, or hookworm.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.

Important Safety and Patient Information about EMVERM

Who should not take EMVERM?

Do not take EMVERM if you are allergic to mebendazole or any of the ingredients in EMVERM. See the end of this Patient Information for a complete list of ingredients in EMVERM.

Before you take EMVERM, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if EMVERM will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. EMVERM can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take EMVERM. Do not breastfeed while taking EMVERM.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using EMVERM with certain other medicines can change the way these medicines act, causing serious side effects.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take EMVERM?

  • Take EMVERM exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
  • Take EMVERM by mouth with or without food.
  • EMVERM tablet may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food.
  • If you take too much EMVERM, you might have symptoms that include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking EMVERM?

Do not take EMVERM with metronidazole (a medicine used to treat bacterial and protozoan infections) as serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can happen.

What are the possible side effects of EMVERM?

EMVERM may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia). Neutropenia can cause you to get other infections. Your healthcare provider will check your blood count regularly during your treatment with EMVERM. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever or any signs of an infection while taking EMVERM.
  • Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis). EMVERM may cause rare, but serious skin reactions when taken with metronidazole and other medicines that contain mebendazole. These severe allergic reactions may be life-threatening and need to be treated in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical help if you have any allergic reactions or the following symptoms:
    • severe skin blisters
    • sores around the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina or penis (genitals)
    • peeling skin
    • swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
    • itchy rash (hives)

The most common side effects of EMVERM include:

  • loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • passing gas
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • rash

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.``
These are not all the possible side effects of EMVERM.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store EMVERM?

  • Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

Keep EMVERM and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of EMVERM.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information. Do not use EMVERM for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EMVERM to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about EMVERM that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in EMVERM?

Active ingredient: mebendazole.
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, anhydrous lactose NF, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, and FD&C Yellow #6.

What is EMVERM?

EMVERM is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 2 years of age and older with intestinal worm infections caused by pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, or hookworm.

Manufactured by: Alcami, Wilmington, NC 28405
Distributed by: Impax Specialty Pharma, Hayward, CA 94544
For more information, call 1-877-99-IMPAX (1-877-994-6729).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Oops! We apologize, an error has occurred on our side while handling your request. Please retry your request, as it may have been temporary or go back to our HOMEPAGE.