Canesten Thrush External Relief Cream (20g)

Product Summary

Canesten Thrush External Cream relieves irritation of the vulva (vulvitis) caused by vaginal thrush (candidiasis).

The active substance in Canesten Thrush External Cream is clotrimazole, which belongs to a group of medicines called azoles. It is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of infections like vaginal thrush.

Although this cream provides relief from the external irritation caused by vaginal thrush, it cannot treat any internal (vaginal) cause of the infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a treatment for this.

Only use this product if your doctor has previously diagnosed you as having vaginal thrush.

Some women suffer from recurrent attacks of thrush. To reduce the frequency of these attacks, the sexual partner’s penis can be treated with this cream to prevent re-infection, even if they have no symptoms of thrush.

Directions:

To treat itching and soreness of the vulva (vulvitis), the cream should be thinly and evenly applied to the area around the entrance of the vagina 2 or 3 times a day and smoothed in gently.

A product to treat the internal (vaginal) infection should be used at the same time.

Treatment should be continued until symptoms of the infection disappear.

Consult your doctor if the symptoms of your infection do not improve within seven days of finishing treatment for the internal infection.

Treating your sexual partner: If your sexual partner is treated with this product, the cream should be applied to the end of the penis 2 or 3 times a day for up to two weeks.

Ingredients

• The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 2% w/w.
• The other ingredients are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

(See Section 2, ‘Do not use’ and ‘Important information about some of the ingredients’ for cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol advice)

Warnings and Restrictions

Before using Canesten® External Thrush Cream, you should see your doctor if:

• you are unsure whether you have thrush or if this is the first time you have had these symptoms
• you have had more than two thrush infections in the last six months
• you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted disease
• you are aged under 16 or over 60
• you have ever had an allergic reaction to Canesten or any other vaginal antifungal products
• You have any of the following symptoms: irregular vaginal bleeding; abnormal vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge; ulcers, blisters or sores of the vagina or vulva; lower abdominal pain; pain or difficulty in passing urine; fever or chills; feeling sick or vomiting; diarrhoea; foul smelling discharge from the vagina.

If any of the above apply, it is important to see a doctor, as Canesten Thrush External Cream may not be the proper treatment for you.

Important information about some of the ingredients:

This product contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin irritation (e.g. rash, itching or redness).

Special precautions:

As with other creams, this product may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms.

Consequently, you should use alternative contraception for at least five days after using this product.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Thrush External Cream.

If you have informed your doctor or midwife, follow their instructions carefully.

Do not use Canesten External Thrush Cream if:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any other Canesten Thrush External Cream ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol. (See Section 6 of the patient information leaflet for further information.)

This product is not suitable for patients under 16 or over 60 without speaking to a doctor first.

Taking other medicines

This product is unlikely to interact with other medications. However, please speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are using any other vaginal treatments.

Storage

• 10g Tube: Do not store above 25°C.
• 20g Tube: This medicinal product requires no special storage conditions.
• This product should be stored in the original carton.
• Do not use Canesten Antifungal Cream after the expiry date, which is stated at one end of the carton and on the end of the tube of cream. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.
• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer required.
• These measures will help to protect the environment.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

What is Canesten Thrush External Cream, and how does it work?

Canesten Thrush External Cream is for the relief of itching, redness, and soreness of the skin on the outside of the vagina (vulva) caused by vaginal thrush. It contains clotrimazole 2%, an antifungal medicine that stops the yeast growth (Candida) that causes the infection.

It is worth mentioning that this cream treats only external thrush symptoms—it doesn't treat the cause of the internal infection. You would use this cream and a product that treats the internal disease, such as a pessary or oral capsule. If you have no idea what internal treatment you need, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

How do I apply Canesten Thrush External Cream, and how long will it take to work?

Apply a thin layer of cream to the vulval skin (the skin around the entrance to the vagina) two or three times a day. Rub it in smoothly until fully absorbed.

Most women notice the reduction of itching and irritation in a few days, but the treatment needs to be continued until the symptoms vanish entirely. The cream is usually applied weekly, with an internal cure like a pessary or capsule.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days of internal treatment, consult your physician. You may be given alternative treatment or additional tests.

Should my sexual partner also use the cream?

Yes — if you get thrush often (two or more in six months), your sexual partner could be carrying the yeast without symptoms. Canesten Thrush External Cream on the end of the penis will prevent re-infection.

If treating a male partner, apply the cream two or three times a day for two weeks. If either partner develops unusual symptoms (e.g., discharge, burning upon urination, or sores on genitals), you and your partner should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Can I use this cream alone, or am I uncertain if I have thrush?

No — Canesten Thrush External Cream should only be used if a doctor or healthcare professional has confirmed that your symptoms are due to vaginal thrush.

You should not use this product if you:

I have not had thrush before

• Have had more than two episodes in the past six months
• Have other symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pain in your stomach, pain during urination, sores, or unusual vaginal discharge
• Are under 16 or over 60 before seeing a doctor
• Have experienced sexually transmitted infections (STIs) previously

The wrong treatment may delay the correct diagnosis or aggravation of symptoms, so always see a pharmacist or doctor if unsure.

Is Canesten Thrush External Cream safe when pregnant or taking other medication?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or intend to become pregnant, always ask your doctor or midwife before using this cream. Although clotrimazole is generally safe during pregnancy, it should be used on the advice of a health professional.

The cream is not likely to interfere with other medicines but tell your pharmacist if you are taking other vaginal treatments or any prescription or over-the-counter drug.

Keep in mind that the cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so use a backup method of birth control for at least five days after you use it.

Are there any side effects I should know about?

This cream is usually well tolerated by most individuals. But occasionally, it may cause mild skin irritation, like redness, stinging, or rash—especially if you're sensitive to one of the ingredients.

It contains cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol, which can sometimes cause local skin irritation. If you experience severe irritation or an allergic reaction (swelling, burning, or breathing difficulty), stop using the cream and contact your doctor immediately.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a complete list of possible side effects and precautions.