scabsafe (IVERMECTIN)
Introduction to Scabsafe
Scabsafe is a medication designed to treat infections caused by parasitic worms and mites. It is particularly effective against conditions like scabies, a skin infection caused... See More
What is Scabsafe?
Scabsafe is a medicine that kills parasitic worms. It's mainly used to treat strongyloidiasis (an intestinal worm infection) and onchocerciasis (river blindness). For strongyloidiasis, it kills the worms in your intestines. In river blindness, it kills the developing worms, but not the adult ones. It can also help with some other roundworm infections, lice (tiny insects that infest the skin and hair), and scabies (a skin infection caused by a tiny mite). Essentially, Scabsafe targets different types of parasites depending on the infection being treated. Remember, this information is for general knowledge and you should always consult a doctor before using any medication.
What is the usual dose of Scabsafe?
Scabsafe doses vary greatly depending on age. For adults, studies have used anywhere from 30 to 120 milligrams (mg) at once. Some studies used a much smaller single dose of 12 mg. There's no established safe and effective dose for children under 22 pounds (15 kilograms kg). Milligrams (mg) and kilograms (kg) are units of weight. A milligram is a thousandth of a gram, and a kilogram is a thousand grams. Micrograms (mcg) are one millionth of a gram; so 165 mcg/kg means 165 micrograms of Scabsafe per kilogram of body weight.
How do I take Scabsafe?
Scabsafe tablets should be taken on an empty stomach with water. This means you should take them at least one hour before or two hours after eating a meal. Following this instruction helps your body absorb the medication more effectively. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can continue your regular diet. There are no dietary restrictions associated with Scabsafe, aside from the timing of meals relative to taking the medication.
For how long do I take Scabsafe?
Treatment typically involves a single dose, but for onchocerciasis, repeat doses may be needed every 3, 6, or 12 months to manage infections. Follow-up stool tests or evaluations are often required to confirm eradication in strongyloidiasis.
What is Scabsafe used for?
Scabsafe is a medicine used to treat several infections caused by tiny worms called nematodes (roundworms). It effectively treats intestinal strongyloidiasis, an infection of the intestines. It also helps with onchocerciasis (river blindness), although it doesn't kill the adult worms. Scabsafe can also be used for other roundworm infections, head lice, and scabies (a skin infection caused by a mite). Essentially, it's a versatile drug against various parasitic infections.
How long does it take for Scabsafe to start working?
Scabsafe begins working within a few hours after ingestion. Improvement in symptoms or reduction in parasite counts is usually observed within days to weeks, depending on the infection.
Is Scabsafe effective?
Scabsafe is effective against certain parasitic worms. Studies show it can cure strongyloidiasis (a parasitic worm infection) in 64-100% of cases with a single dose. For onchocerciasis (river blindness), a single dose significantly reduces the number of parasitic larvae in the skin, although it doesn't kill the adult worms. Compared to other anti-parasitic drugs like albendazole and thiabendazole, Scabsafe is better for strongyloidiasis and equally effective for some cases. Microfilariae are the larval stage of parasitic worms. mcg/kg refers to the dosage of the medicine – micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight.
How does one know if Scabsafe is working?
Scabsafe's safety and effectiveness have been studied. Tests show it doesn't damage DNA (genotoxicity). While we lack enough data on children and the elderly, studies haven't shown different effects between age groups. The body processes Scabsafe mainly through the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (a protein that breaks down drugs). Common side effects include tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and skin problems. Finally, confirming the elimination of a specific parasitic worm infection (strongyloidiasis) needs a stool test.
How does Scabsafe work?
Scabsafe is a medicine that kills parasitic worms (anthelmintic). It works differently depending on the infection. For strongyloidosis (a worm infection in the gut), it kills the worms in the intestines. For onchocerciasis (river blindness), it kills developing worms, but not the adult ones. After you swallow it, the amount of Scabsafe in your blood is directly related to the dose you take. Your liver breaks it down mostly, and you eliminate most of it through your bowel movements over about 12 days. It takes about 18 hours for half the medicine to leave your body (plasma half-life). Eating a fatty meal significantly increases how much of the medicine your body absorbs – about 2.5 times more. CYP3A4 refers to a specific liver enzyme involved in breaking down many medications.
Who should avoid taking Scabsafe?
Avoid Scabsafe if you are allergic to it or its components. Patients with severe Loa loa infections or significant immune suppression should use it cautiously under medical supervision.
Can I take Scabsafe with vitamins or supplements?
There are no major known interactions with vitamins or supplements, but always inform your doctor about all products you are taking to avoid unforeseen interactions.
Can I take Scabsafe with other prescription drugs?
Scabsafe may interact with blood thinners like warfarin (elevating INR levels) and medications affecting liver enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4 inhibitors). Inform your doctor of all prescription drugs to prevent complications.
Can Scabsafe be taken safely while pregnant?
Scabsafe should not be used during pregnancy. We don't know if it's safe for pregnant women and their babies because there haven't been enough good studies. While it doesn't seem to directly harm the unborn baby (fetotoxic means harmful to the fetus), we can't be completely sure. Tests on animals showed birth defects (teratogenicity) at high doses that also harmed the mother. Because of these uncertainties, it's best to avoid Scabsafe while pregnant.
Can Scabsafe be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Scabsafe is found in small amounts in breast milk. If a breastfeeding mother needs to take Scabsafe, she should discuss the risks and benefits with her doctor. The doctor will help her decide if the medicine's benefits for her outweigh any potential risks to her baby. Essentially, the decision depends on whether the mother's need for Scabsafe is more important than the possible effects on the baby.
Is Scabsafe safe for the elderly?
Scabsafe's safety for older adults isn't completely known. Doctors should be careful when prescribing it to seniors. This is because older people may have weaker livers (hepatic), kidneys (renal), or hearts (cardiac). They might also have other health problems (concomitant diseases) or be taking other medications (drug therapies) that could interact badly with Scabsafe. Therefore, using Scabsafe in elderly patients requires extra caution and close monitoring.
How should I store Scabsafe?
Store at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in its original container and out of reach of children.
Does Scabsafe make people tired or drowsy?
Most people tolerate this medicine well and sleepiness or tiredness is not commonly reported. However, everybody can respond differently to medicines. Always track any changes you notice and let your doctor know when new symptoms are concerning - this will help make sure this medicine is right for you.
Does Scabsafe cause stomach upset?
Yes, gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain may occur but are generally mild. If symptoms are severe, contact your doctor for further advice.
Does Scabsafe affect sleep?
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or drowsiness, are rare side effects. If you experience significant changes in sleep, consult your doctor for possible solutions.
Does Scabsafe make it hard to think or concentrate?
Confusion or difficulty concentrating is a rare side effect, usually linked to neurotoxicity or excessive dosing. If this occurs, stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Does Scabsafe affect mood?
Mood changes, including irritability or nervousness, are uncommon. If you experience emotional changes, consult your doctor to rule out other causes or adjust treatment.
Does Scabsafe interfere with sexual function?
Scabsafe does not typically affect sexual function. Any changes may result from unrelated factors or stress associated with illness. Discuss concerns with your doctor if needed.
Does Scabsafe affect appetite?
Most people tolerate this medicine well and changes in appetite are not commonly reported. However, everybody can respond differently to medicines. Always track any changes you notice and let your doctor know when new symptoms are concerning - this will help make sure this medicine is right for you
Does Scabsafe cause weight gain?
Most people tolerate this medicine well and weight loss or weight gain is not commonly reported. However, everybody can respond differently to medicines. Always track any changes you notice and let your doctor know when new symptoms are concerning - this will help make sure this medicine is right for you.
Does Scabsafe cause headaches?
Headaches are a possible side effect and are more common in onchocerciasis treatment due to parasite death. Over-the-counter pain relief may help, but consult your doctor if headaches persist.
Does Scabsafe limit driving?
Dizziness or drowsiness may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid such activities if you experience these symptoms and inform your doctor if they persist.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Scabsafe?
Alcohol is best avoided as it may worsen side effects like dizziness or nausea. Consult your doctor for personalized advice about alcohol use.
Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Scabsafe?
Yes, coffee or tea does not interact with Scabsafe, but excessive caffeine may worsen symptoms like nervousness or insomnia. Moderation is recommended.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Scabsafe?
Exercise is generally safe, but avoid intense physical activity if you experience dizziness or fatigue. Listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed during treatment.
What are Scabsafe possible harms and risks?
Scabsafe's most common side effects are headache (in 22.3% of users) and muscle aches (19.7%), but it's unclear if these are directly caused by the drug. Other side effects affecting at least 1% of users include swelling of the face (facial edema), swelling in the limbs (peripheral edema), low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), and a fast heart rate (tachycardia). Less common but potentially serious side effects include problems with the nervous system (neurotoxicity – symptoms range from sleepiness to coma and even death), dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), worsening asthma, severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome), seizures, liver inflammation (hepatitis), and abnormal liver tests. It's important to note that the connection between Scabsafe and many of these less frequent side effects isn't definitively established.
Available in 2 variations
Scabsafe 6mg Tablet
Scabsafe 6mg Tablet
Ivermectin (6mg)
strip of 10 tablets
Scabsafe 12mg Tablet
Scabsafe 12mg Tablet
Ivermectin (12mg)
strip of 10 tablets
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