Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Cream

Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Creams is a complete treatment for vaginal thrush because it treats both the internal cause and external symptoms.

Usage Instructions:

The Internal Cream: 

The cream should be inserted as high as possible into the vagina, preferably before going to sleep at night for convenient and comfortable treatment. 

Wash your hands before removing the foil from the blister pack and again afterwards when you have used the applicator. 

1. Remove the applicator from the packaging. Keeping the cap in place, insert the tip of the plunger into the applicator (approximately 1cm).

2. Twist and pull to remove the cap. Be careful not to press the plunger in any further before you have inserted the applicator into the vagina. This will avoid wasting any cream.

3. Carefully put the applicator as deep as is comfortable into the vagina (this is easiest when lying on your back with your knees bent up). Holding the applicator in place, slowly press the plunger until it stops so that the pre-measured dose of cream is deposited into the vagina.

4. Remove the applicator. Dispose of the applicator in a safe place, out of the reach of children. The applicator cannot be flushed down the toilet.

The cream is deposited in the vagina, but it is quite common to notice a slight discharge after using the cream and therefore it may be helpful to wear a panty liner. This does not mean that the treatment has not worked.

The External Cream: 

Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press. To treat the 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.

The symptoms of thrush should disappear within three days of treatment. If no improvement is seen after seven days you must 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 you should see your doctor.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for further guidance and pictograms for usage instructions.

Ingredients:

Internal cream: 

• The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 10% w/w. 
• The other ingredients are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetostearyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, cetyl palmitate and purified water. 

External cream: 

• 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.

Warnings:

Do not use if:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol, of Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Creams.
• During your period, it may be less effective.
• To treat nail and scalp infections.

Speak to a doctor if:

• You are unsure whether you have thrush or this is the first time you have had these symptoms.
• 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.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: 

Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Creams can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Creams. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully. 

To treat internal thrush, your doctor may recommend that you use a treatment that can be inserted in the vagina without the help of an applicator, such as a clotrimazole pessary.

PIL Link: 

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4128.pdf