Canesten Oral Capsule is a single capsule treatment for thrush. It can also be used by your partner if he has thrush on his penis.

Canesten Oral Capsule contains fluconazole which is an antifungal agent, that fights the cause of infections such as thrush.

Thrush is caused by a yeast (fungus) called Candida which may live harmlessly in the vagina without you even noticing it. However, the natural pH balance of the vagina 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 natural pH balance is altered the level of yeast increases and 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.

In men, Candida can also cause thrush - a condition called balanitis (inflammation of the end of the penis).

It causes any of the following symptoms: soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin and a white, odourless discharge from the penis.

For women and men, if this is the first time you have had these symptoms, talk to your doctor before using Canesten Oral Capsule.

When and how to use Canesten Oral Capsule:
If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, talk to your doctor before using

Before using this product, you should see your doctor if you are aged under 16 or over 60 years

The full course of treatment consists of a single Canesten Oral Capsule:

• The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water (with or without food).

• The symptoms of thrush should disappear within two days of treatment.
• If no improvement is seen after seven days, you must tell your doctor.
• If the infection returns after seven days another capsule may be taken but if you have more than two infections within six months you should see your doctor.
• One Canesten Oral Capsule should be taken. If more capsules are taken, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

Canesten Oral Capsule each capsule contains: 150mg of the active ingredient fluconazole.

Other ingredients are: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch and sodium lauryl sulphate.

• the capsule shell contains brilliant blue FCF (E133), titanium dioxide (E171) and gelatine.
• the printing ink contains black iron oxide (E172) shellac and soya lecithin.

When not to use Canesten Oral Capsule:
Do not use the capsule if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient fluconazole or any of the other ingredients in this product.

If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.

See your doctor as soon as possible and do not use the capsule 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

Do not use the capsule if:

• you are taking the antihistamine terfenadine or the medicine cisapride
• you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding

For men do not use the capsule without first talking to your doctor if:

• your sexual partner does not have thrush
• you have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis
• you have an abnormal discharge from your penis
• your penis has started to smell
• you have pain or difficulty passing urine

This is because Canesten Oral Capsule may not be the right treatment for you. If you or your partner have been exposed to any other sexually transmitted disease or you are unsure whether you have thrush, check with your doctor before using Canesten Oral Capsule.

Special precautions:
Before using the capsule, 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 fluconazole or any other vaginal antifungal products
• you are taking any medication other than the contraceptive pill
• you have had any disease or illness affecting the liver or kidneys or have had any unexplained jaundice
• you suffer from any other chronic disease or illness

If you develop a rash or have difficulty breathing, facial swelling or general itchiness, see your doctor immediately.

Side-effects: Canesten Oral Capsule may cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include sickness, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and wind.

Rarely people have experienced a rash or headaches.

The following have been reported rarely by some patients, but may not be due to the medicine: liver, skin or blood disorders, seizures and hair loss.

As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to Canesten Oral Capsule. If you are allergic, a reaction will occur soon after you have taken it. If you have problems breathing, facial swelling or general itchiness, speak to your doctor immediately.

If you feel you are reacting badly to this medicine in any other way, discuss this with your doctor.

Thrush is a common infection that mast women suffer from at some time in their lives and is not caused by lack of personal hygiene.

How to avoid future recurrences:

• wear cotton knickers, and loose clothing
• wash daily
• after going to the toilet, wipe yourself from the front to back as a thrush infection may he transferred from the bowel
• change your sanitary protection regularly
• try to avoid wearing tights, nylon knickers and close fitting jeans
• try to avoid washing with perfumed soaps or using vaginal deodorants
• do not wash or rub yourself hard with sponges or flannels and avoid hot baths with strong perfumed oils

If your sexual partner also has thrush, this may lead to reinfection