Before using Defend (permethrin) 65%, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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 Defend (permethrin) 65%, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: skin infections, asthma.
Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop worsening redness or pus.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Defend (permethrin) 65%.
It is unknown if Defend (permethrin) 65% passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Apply Defend (permethrin) 65% as soon as possible after it is prescribed. When treating head lice, apply Defend (permethrin) 65% to the hair and scalp only. First wash hair with your regular shampoo, but do not use conditioner. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo out with water, and towel-dry hair. Shake Defend (permethrin) 65% well before using. Cover your eyes with a towel while applying Defend (permethrin) 65%. Completely cover the hair and scalp with the medicine (especially behind the ears and on the hairline at the neck). Avoid getting Defend (permethrin) 65% in your nose, ears, mouth, vagina, or eyes. If the medicine gets in any of these areas, flush with plenty of water. Do not use more medication than prescribed. Leave the medication on your hair for 10 minutes or as directed by your doctor, then rinse with warm water. Towel-dry your hair and comb out any tangles. A single Defend (permethrin) 65% treatment can help prevent lice from coming back for 14 days. If eyebrows or eyelashes are infested, do not apply Defend (permethrin) 65% to those areas without first consulting your doctor.
Head lice lay small white eggs (nits) at the base of hair close to the scalp, especially on the hairline at the back of the neck and behind the ears. After treatment with Defend (permethrin) 65%, the infected person should be checked by another person for lice and nits using a magnifying glass and bright light. To remove nits, use the special comb provided, and follow the instructions on the package. After combing, re-check the entire head every day for nits you might have missed. Remove any nits by combing, by hand using a disposable glove, or by cutting them out. If live lice are seen 7 days or more after treatment, a second treatment with Defend (permethrin) 65% or another drug may be needed.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Scalp irritation, including itching, swelling, or redness may occur with head lice and temporarily worsen after treatment with Defend (permethrin) 65%. Mild burning, stinging, tingling, or numbness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Defend (permethrin) 65% because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Defend (permethrin) 65% do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to Defend (permethrin) 65% is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click here to view a more detailed list of Defend side effects.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Defend (permethrin) 65%, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.