Canesten Thrush Pessary and Cream - 1 Dose

Product Summary

An effective single-dose pessary with applicator for the treatment of vaginal thrush. The pessary goes straight to the site of the infection to clear the cause of thrush.

A vaginal thrush infection may cause any of the following symptoms: whitish, odourless vaginal discharge, persistent burning, itching, redness, swelling, and soreness of the vagina and vulva.

Directions

• The applicator should be used to insert the pessary as high as possible into the vagina, preferably before going to sleep at night for convenient and comfortable treatment.
• If no improvement is seen after seven days, tell your doctor.
• If the infection returns after seven days, you may use one further treatment, but if you have more than two infections within six months, see your doctor.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Clotrimazole 500mg
• Also contains: Lactose Monohydrate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lactic Acid, Maize Starch, Crospovidone, Calcium Lactate Pentahydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, and Hypromellose.

Warnings and Restrictions

Read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

Before using Canesten Thrush Pessary, 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 infections of thrush 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, a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.

To treat internal thrush, your doctor may recommend that you use the pessary without the help of an applicator.

If any of the above apply, it's important to check with your doctor because Canesten Thrush Pessary may not be the right treatment for you.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using this product. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.

Do not use Canesten Thrush Pessary:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients of Canesten Thrush Pessary, including cetostearyl alcohol
• during your period, as it may be less effective.
• to treat nail and scalp infections

For use in the vagina only

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Inform your doctor if you are taking tacrolimus or sirolimus (used to reduce the immune response to prevent rejection after an organ transplant).

Pharmacists FAQs Answered

What is a pessary, and how does it work to treat thrush?

A pessary is a solid, bullet-shaped tablet that is inserted into the vagina, where it dissolves and releases the antifungal medicine directly at the site of infection.

Canesten Thrush Pessary is clotrimazole 500mg, which works on and kills the yeast (Candida) that causes thrush.

This type of treatment is especially useful when symptoms are more internal, such as discharge from the vagina or pain deep inside the vagina.

When should I use the pessary, and how do I insert it?

For comfort and convenience, it is easiest to use the pessary at bedtime. The lying down position will keep the medication in place and allow it to do its job while you sleep.

The pessary comes with an applicator, making it possible for you to insert it high into the vagina. This makes it work better.

Keep your hands clean before and after touching the applicator. If you are unsure about how to insert it, the patient information leaflet has some step-by-step instructions.

Can I use the pessary when I have my period or after sex?

No — don't use the pessary when you have your period because the menstrual flow will wash some of the medicine away and make it less effective. Wait until your period has finished.

If you have recently had sex, wait until any irritation or damage to the vagina lining has settled because this can make the area more sensitive to the treatment.

What should I avoid when using the pessary?

While using pessaries and for a few days afterwards, avoid:

• Sexual intercourse – It may make the infection worse or pass it on to your partner.
• Tampons – They can absorb the medicine and make it less effective.
• Using vaginal douches, spermicides or other internal treatments – They can interact with the action of clotrimazole.

Also, some of the ingredients in the pessary can make condoms or diaphragms weaker, so use another form of contraception for at least five days after treatment.

Are there any side effects that I need to know about?

Most individuals use Canesten Thrush Pessary without experiencing any problems, but some mild burning, itching, or irritation can result as the treatment begins to work.

If you experience rash, swelling, or shortness of breath, discontinue use and seek medical help immediately — these are possible signs of an allergic reaction.

If the symptoms worsen or fail to improve within seven days, you should consult your doctor to rule out other causes.

Can I use the pessary more than once?

One 500mg pessary is usually enough to treat an attack of thrush.

However, a second pessary may be used if symptoms recur after one week.

If you get thrush more than twice in six months, this may be a sign of an underlying problem like diabetes, endocrine abnormality, or compromised immunity. See your GP for advice and possibly further investigations.