Canesten Soft Gel Pessary 500mg

Canesten Pessary is a single application for the treatment of thrush. It can also be used to treat other vaginal infections such as Trichomoniasis. Canesten Pessary works right at the site of infection. 

What is thrush?

Thrush is an infection caused by a type of 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 Thrush Cream 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

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/

The full course of treatment consists of a pessary held inside a foil blister pack and an applicator for insertion of the pessary into the vagina. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, the pessary should be inserted into the vagina preferably at night so that it can work whilst you sleep. 

Remove the Canesten applicator from the packaging. Pull out the plunger until it stops. Remove the Canesten pessary from the foil sachet and place firmly into the applicator. To fit the pessary into the applicator, the holder of the applicator needs to be squeezed lightly at either side. The pessary fits tightly into the applicator and needs to be squeezed into the holder to about 1cm. 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 pessary is deposited into the vagina.

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

If no improvement is seen after seven days, speak to your doctor as a second course of treatment may be necessary. Since the pessary dissolves in the vagina, it may be helpful to wear a panty liner because it is quite common to notice a slight white residue (chalky) after using the pessary. This does not mean that the Canesten treatment has not worked. However, if you notice pieces of undissolved pessary, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist, as the treatment may not have worked properly.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

For use in and around the vagina only.

Do not use to treat nail or scalp infections.

Before using Canesten® Thrush Soft Gel Pessary, 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.

Or 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

For external use only

The soft gel pessary contains Clotrimazole 500mg as well as white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, gelatin, glycerol, water, titanium dioxide (E171), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), lecithin, medium-chain triglycerides.