CANESTEN ONCE INTERNAL CREAM: Treatment of candidal vaginitis
Pack Quantity: 5G
Canesten Internal Cream is a soothing intravaginal cream in a prefilled applicator for treatment at the site of infection.
Thrush is a common infection that most women have some time in their lives and is not caused by a lack of personal hygiene.
Thrush is caused by a yeast (fungus) called candida which may live harmlessly in the vagina 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 level of yeast increases it can develop into a thrush infection causing any of the following symptoms: persistent burning, 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.
If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, talk to your doctor before using any treatment.
Canesten Internal Cream contains Clotrimazole which is an antifungal agent that fights the cause of infections such as thrush.
Contents of Canesten Internal Cream is: A single application for the treatment of vaginal thrush.
When and how to use Canesten Internal Cream:
'Do not use if you are aged under 16 or over 60 years
The single dose treatment of cream is in a prefilled applicator in a foil blister pack
The cream should be inserted into the vagina preferably at night so that it can work whilst you sleep
'Remove the applicator from the foil packaging.
'Place the tip of plunger into the applicator (approximately 1cm)
'Twist and pull to remove the red 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.
'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.
'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 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.
Canesten Internal Cream should be used in the vagina only. Do not put it in your mouth or swallow it. If you do accidentally swallow it, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
As with other creams and pessaries, this product may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, when used together. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product.
When not use Canesten Internal Cream
'Do not use the cream if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient clotrimazole. If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.
'See your doctor as soon as possible and do not use Canesten Internal Cream if 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
This is because Canesten Internal Cream may not be the right treatment for you
'If you are unsure whether you have thrush, check with your doctor before using this product
'Do not use this cream product during your period as it may be less effective.
Special precautions should be taken:
If you are pregnant or are trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Internal Cream. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.
'Before using the cream, you should see your doctor if:
'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 years
'you have ever had an allergic reaction to Canesten or any other vaginal antifungal products
As with other creams and pessaries, this product may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, when used together. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product.
This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
Side-effects: Rarely, you may experience a mild burning or irritation immediately after applying the cream. Canesten Internal Cream may also cause side-effects which can be very similar to the symptoms of thrush. If the redness, burning, pain, itching or swelling get worse, see your doctor as soon as possible.
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the cream. If you are allergic a reaction will occur soon after you start using it. You may have local reaction similar to those described above, or very rarely a generalised reaction which may may appear as a rash, nausea, faintness or facial swelling, low blood pressure, diarrhoea and shortness of breath.
If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor immediately.
If you feel you are reacting badly to this medicine in any other way, discuss this with your doctor.
