What is Canesten Combi and who can take this medication?
Canesten Combi is a treatment recommended for women aged between 16 to 60 for the treatment of thrush and to relieve symptoms of itchiness.
Clotrimazole is the active ingredient which can be found in Canesten Combi. This active ingredient is classified as an azole, which is an antifungal medication that prevents the growth of candida albicans which causes the symptoms of thrush.
This treatment contains both a 500mg pessary, for a one time vaginal use, this treatment comes with an applicator that should be used to insert it into the vagina. Alongside this, the Canesten cream that is included,has a 2% concentration and is recommended for external use only.
How do I use this treatment?
When using canesten combi it is important to take a few precautions to ensure that the treatment is effective.
Avoid initiating treatment during menstruation as this may wash out the pessary.
Do not use tampons or intravaginal douches during this time
Pessary
Before using this treatment, make sure your hands are washed thoroughly.
Open the foiled package containing the pessary and insert the pessary as high as possible into the vagina using the applicator before going to sleep at night. Try to insert it as high as it safely possible to ensure the pessary reaches a lubricated part of the vagina and to avoid crumbling. It is completely normal for a discharge to appear once this is done. Remove the applicator from the vagina and safely discard. Please note, it is not possible to flush the applicator down the toilet and must be disposed of as this is only a one time use application.
cream
Clotrimazole cream should be applied in a thin layer on clean dry skin 2-3 times daily. Thrush will usually begin to clear up within 7 days of treatment with clotrimazole, however it's often recommended to continue for 2 weeks to prevent re-infection.
If symptoms persist after this please visit your GP for further advice and consultation. Please ensure that you read the patient information leaflet prior to taking any medication.
How effective is Canesten Combi?
Canesten Combi is an effective treatment for thrush. Your symptoms should start to abate within three days of starting treatment. Treatment usually lasts no more than seven days but can often be extended up to 2 weeks to prevent re-infection.
If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, you should see your doctor. If your infection returns after seven days, you may need to use Canesten Combi again. If you have had more than 2 candida infections in the past 6 months then do not self medicate and see your GP.
As with any medication, side effects may occur with some patients.
After you use the pessary you might experience:
Itching, rash, swelling, redness, pain, burning, irritation, vaginal peeling, or bleeding may occur after using the pessary.
Aches and pains in the abdomen and pelvis.
Following the application of the cream, you may experience the following:
Itching, rash, blisters, burning, pain, swelling, and other symptoms
Skin that is red, irritated, or peeling.
If you notice any of the above symptoms or have a negative reaction to them,
the pessary or cream in any way not specified in this leaflet, inform your doctor right away.
When should I see the GP about this?
It is always recommended to see the GP in person before commencing any medication where this is possible. However it is more pressing to do this if the following instances occur:
You have had thrush more than twice in the past 6 months
If you are taking terfenadine or cisapride
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant
If you have any conditions affecting your liver or kidneys or any other chronic conditions.
If you have a previous history of STDs.
If you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms
If you experiencing abdominal pain or burning sensation when urinating
If you have ulcers or blisters in or around your genitalia
If you have abnormal or irregular bleeding or blood stained discharge
If you have nausea,vomiting,diarrhea, fever or chills.
Please ensure you have read all available material including the patient information leaflet before initiating treatment.
