Description
Canesten Thrush Cream relieves irritation of the vulva (vulvitis) which is caused by vaginal thrush (candidiasis). 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 you have been previously diagnosed by your doctor 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 reinfection, even if they have no symptoms of thrush. The active substance in Canesten Thrush Cream is clotrimazole. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called azoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of infections such as vaginal thrush.
How To Use
Women: If Canesten Thrush Cream has been prescribed for you by your doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you. If you purchased this product without a prescription, follow these directions closely:
- 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. A product to treat the internal (vaginal) infection should be used at the same time.
Treatment should be continued until symptoms of the infections 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 cream, the cream should be applied to the end of the penis 2 or 3 times a day for up to two weeks.
- Canesten® Thrush Cream is for external use only: Do not put the cream in your mouth or swallow it. If the cream is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Remember: If you have any doubts about using Canesten Thrush Cream correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings
- Do not use Canesten Thrush Cream: If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients of Canesten Thrush Cream.
- Before using Canesten® Thrush Cream, you should see your doctor if:
- You are unsure whether you have thrush or 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 12 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.
- Back pain
- Redness, irritation or swelling associated with recent use of Canesten Thrush Cream.
- Shoulder pain.
- Pain or difficulty in passing urine.
- Fever or chills.
- Feeling sick or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea
- A foul smelling discharge from the vagina.
This is because Canesten Thrush Cream may not be the right 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: Avoid sexual intercourse while using this product, as the infection could be transferred to your partner. As with other creams, this product may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product. Do not use tampons, spermicides or other vaginal products while using this product.
- Pregnancy : Avoid using this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Thrush Cream. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with this medicine.
Active Ingredients
The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 2% w/w.
Further information about vaginal thrush:
Vaginal thrush (candidiasis) is a common infection that most women suffer from at some time in their lives and is not caused by lack of personal hygiene. Thrush is caused by a yeast (fungus) called Candida which lives harmlessly in the vagina and other parts of the body, without you even noticing it. However, the natural balance that keeps Candida under control can be upset by many factors such as hormonal changes (menstruation, contraceptive pill, pregnancy, menopause), poor health, antibiotics, perfumed soaps, bath additives and tight clothing. If the natural pH balance is altered, the level of yeast increases and can develop into a thrush infection causing any of the following symptoms: persistent burning and/or itching around the vagina and vulva, redness, swelling and soreness of the tissues of the vagina and vulva and a whitish, odourless discharge from the vagina. Not everybody who has thrush has all these symptoms; you may have only one of them.
How to avoid future recurrences:
✓ Wear cotton knickers and loose clothing.
✓ Wash daily.
✓ After going to the toilet, wipe yourself from the front to back as a thrush infection may be transferred from the bowel.
✓ Change your sanitary protection regularly.
✗ Try to avoid wearing tights, nylon knickers and close fitting jeans.
✗ Try to avoid washing with perfumed soaps or using vaginal deodorants.
✗ Do not wash or rub yourself hard with sponges or flannels and avoid hot baths with strong perfumed oils.
If you are still worried or have any questions about the symptoms or the treatment of thrush, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
