Canesten Thrush External Cream (2% Clotrimazole) 20g

Canesten treatments for thrush relieve irritation of the vulva (vulvitis) which is caused by vaginal thrush (candidiasis).

Although this Canesten Thrust 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 Canesten treatments for thrush 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 as well, 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.

What is Thrush?

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida. This yeast normally lives in your body quite happily without doing you any harm. But when the natural pH balance of your vagina is upset - which can easily happen - Candida can multiply. And that's when you may start to itch and develop thrush.

Who gets Thrush?

Don't worry or be embarrassed about having thrush, as thrush is much more common than you might think - 3 out of 4 women have it at some point in their lives, especially if they are under the age of 20 or pregnant, and it is commonly suffered around the time of a period.

Men are not immune. They can get thrush too, though only a few develop the rash and itchiness. Most male sufferers act as carriers, without actually having the symptoms. To help prevent re-infection, make sure your partner uses Canesten treatments for thrush as well as you.

How does the infection occur?

Normally, there is a delicate balance between bacteria and yeasts that live naturally within the vagina. However, this balance is easily upset by any of the following factors which could allow the yeasts to overgrow, leading to thrush infection:

• Intake of medicines such as antibiotics
• Trauma of sexual activity or tampons
• Stress
• Perfumed soap, shower gels and bubble baths
• Menstruation
• Wearing tight clothing
• Pregnancy

It is important to treat thrush during pregnancy, as evidence shows that it could be passed onto your baby (in the form of oral thrush or other fungal infections) through your birth canal when giving birth. If you are pregnant and think you may have thrush, please visit your doctor.

What are the symptoms of Thrush?

The main symptom - and by far the most irritating - is the itching. You may also feel a burning soreness and this can be accompanied by a whitish odourless discharge.

Though very uncomfortable, these symptoms can be sorted out quickly and easily, by treating at the site of infection as well as soothing the irritation.

Most women seek help for relief of external itching. However, it is important that the infection is treated internally as well as externally, to prevent symptoms from returning.

Further information can be found by clicking the following link:

http://www.canesten.co.uk/en/female/symptoms/thrush/symptoms/

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 thearea 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.

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.

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 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.

Canesten Thrush Cream is for external use only.

This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin irritation (e.g. rash, itching or redness).

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.

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

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.

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.