• a soothing cream to start relieving the external itch immediately
• a single capsule taken orally that will treat the condition at the site of infection

Canesten Oral & Cream Duo contains fluconazole and clotrimazole which are antifungal agents that fight the cause of infections such as thrush

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

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 this product

When and how to use Canesten Duo:

The full course of treatment consists of a single Canesten Oral Capsule and a tube of Canesten Thrush Cream.

The capsule is to treat thrush at the site of infection and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water (with or without food). Your partner can also use it If he has thrush on his penis.

The cream is to treat the itching and soreness (vulvitis).

• The cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the area around the entrance of the vagina, 2 or 3 times a day and smoothed in gently.
• It should be used until the symptoms of the infection disappear.

• 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 course of treatment 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. Your Canesten Thrush Cream is for external use only.

If more capsules are taken or if the cream is accidentally swallowed, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

As with other vaginal creams, Canesten Thrush Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, when used together. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using the cream.

Each pack of Canesten Oral & Cream Duo contains one Canesten Oral Capsule and one 10g tube of Canesten Thrush Cream:

The 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.

The Cream contains: 2% w/w of the active ingredient clotrimazole.

Other ingredients are: benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

When not to use Canesten Oral & Cream:

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

Do not use the cream without first talking with your doctor If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

• irregular or 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

• 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 this medicine may not be the right treatment for you

If you or your partner have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease or you are unsure whether you have thrush, check with your doctor before using this product.

Special Precautions should be taken: 

Inform your doctor If you are taking: Anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots), Sulphonylureas (to control diabetes), Hydrochlorothiazide (used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure), Benzodiazepines (used as tranquillisers), Phenytoin (used to control epilepsy), Rifampicin or Rifabutin (antibiotics), Ciclosporin or Tacrolimus (used to reduce the immune response), Theophylline (used to control asthma), Zidovudine (used to treat HIV infection), Astemizole (antihistamine).

Before using Canesten Oral & Cream Duo, 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, clotrimazole 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.

As with other vaginal creams, Canesten Thrush Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, when used together. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using the cream. 

The cream contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).

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

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. There have been rare reports of liver disorders, peeling skin, seizures and hair loss. It may also affect the blood, so you may have recurrent infections (e.g. cold and flu), or unexpected bruising.

Canesten Thrush Cream may cause mild burning or irritation immediately after application. If you find this intolerable. Canesten Thrush Cream may also cause side effects which can be very similar to the symptoms of thrush. If the redness, burning, pain, itching or swelling get worse stop treatment and tell your doctor or pharmacist.

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

Thrush is a common infection that mast women have at some time in their lives and is not caused by a 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 be 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, they should be treated as this may prevent reinfection.

If you are still worried, or have any further questions, about the symptoms or the treatment of thrush, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or a pharmacist.