Albenza

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Albenza if you have a known allergy to albendazole, other benzimidazole medicines, or any of its ingredients. Albenza should be avoided during pregnancy unless no alternative management is appropriate. A pregnancy test is required before treatment for women who could become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, treatment should be stopped because of the potential risk to the unborn baby. Albenza can suppress bone marrow function, and fatal cases have been reported. Blood counts must be checked before each treatment cycle and every two weeks during treatment. Liver enzymes must also be checked before each cycle and at least every two weeks during treatment. Clinically significant changes in blood counts or liver enzymes require treatment to be stopped. People being treated for neurocysticercosis may develop increased pressure in the brain, seizures or problems affecting specific nerve functions after starting treatment. Appropriate steroid and anti-seizure treatment is needed. An eye examination for retinal lesions is required before treatment for neurocysticercosis because of the risk of retinal damage.