Canesten Thrush Combi Pessary & External Cream

Canesten Combi pessary and cream are a combination of treatments designed to relieve the symptoms of thrush while tackling the cause of infection. Ideal for those suffering from itching, redness, swelling, or irritation caused by vaginal thrush.

Can I use this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Canesten or any other medication. Some medications may not be safe for you and your baby during this time. You may be required to use this Canesten pessary without an applicator if you are pregnant, as the applicator could disturb your fragile vaginal wall. Always follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions while using this product.

Can I use this product if I am taking other medication?
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Canesten Pessary and Cream if you are taking any other medication. Some medications can interact when used together, causing unwanted side effects or making your medication less effective. You should specifically tell your doctor before using this product if you are taking tacrolimus or sirolimus, which are used to reduce immune response and prevent rejection after you have had an organ transplant.

Can I use condoms while I am using this product?
You should avoid having vaginal intercourse while you are suffering from thrush, as it could pass the infection to your partner. Also, Canesten Combi pessary and cream can interfere with the effectiveness of condoms, diaphragms and other rubber contraceptives, so be sure to use an alternative method of contraception for five days after using this product if you do choose to have sex.

Can I use this product while I am on my period?
You should not use Canesten Combi during your period, as it may make the treatment less effective. You should also avoid using tampons, intravaginal douches, spermicides or any other vaginal products while using this product.

How to use Canesten Combi pessary and cream
This pack of Canesten Combi pessary and cream contains one pessary and a tube of cream designed to treat thrush. Pessaries are medication which is inserted into your vagina, in the same way, you would a tampon. The cream should be applied around the entrance of the vagina in a thin, even layer 2 – 3 times a day. For more information about how to use Canesten Combi pessary and cream, please read the patient information leaflet.

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?
You do not need a prescription for Canesten Combi pessary and cream, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

When should Canesten Combi pessary and cream not be used?
Canesten Combi pessary and cream are not suitable for use by those who are allergic to clotrimazole, cetostearyl alcohol, or any of the other listed ingredients. A pessary is for vaginal use only, the cream is for external use only. Do not put pessary or cream into your mouth or swallow them.

Does this product have any side effects?
Like all medicines, Canesten Combi pessary and cream can both have side effects, but you may not get them. If you experience any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:

Rash
Swelling of the lips, throat, face, or tongue
Nausea
Weakness, feeling dizzy or feeling faint
Swallowing or breathing problems

Stop using Canesten Combi pessary and cream immediately and seek medical assistance. Other side effects you may experience after using the products in this pack include:

Itching
Rash
Swelling
Redness
Blisters
Burning
Discomfort
Irritation
Peeling of the skin
Bleeding
Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting side effects, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

Consult your doctor before use if you are taking any other medicines or if you have a health condition not mentioned in the patient information leaflet.

Always read the patient information leaflet before use.

May cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how your body reacts to this treatment.

Do not take more than one tablet in any 24 hours.

This medicine must not be taken by women.

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here

If you are concerned about addiction of 'over the counter' medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice

• NHS - Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support