Canesten Thrush Combi (Pessary & External Cream)

What is Canesten Thrush Combi?

Canesten Thrush Combi is a combined treatment for both the internal and external issues caused by vaginal thrush.

It can be used by women between the ages of 16 and 60 years old.

You can buy Canesten Thrush Combi without needing a prescription.

What is Canesten Thrush Combi used to treat?

Canesten Thrush Combi is a comprehensive treatment for vaginal thrush. Vaginal thrush is caused by a yeast called candida, which can cause several symptoms and lead to a number of conditions that will require treatment.

It comes with a pessary applicator which is inserted into the vagina. This works to treat the internal cause of vaginal thrush.

Also included in this treatment is a tube of double strength soothing cream, which will provide relief from the external pain and itching of the infection.

Canesten Thrush Combi should not be used to treat infections of the nails or scalp.

Why is Canesten Thrush Combi recommended to treat vaginal thrush?

Canesten Thrush Combi's active ingredient, clotrimazole, has been a recommended treatment for vaginal thrush for more than 45 years. 

Furthermore, when used properly, Canesten Thrush Combi should have cleared your problem after one week.

How does Canesten Thrush Combi work?

Both the pessary and the external cream contain the active ingredient clotrimazole, which is an antifungal medicine.

Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus that causes vaginal thrush. By killing the fungus, it also works to relieve the itching and irritation that is caused by this infection.

Who can use Canesten Thrush Combi?

Canesten Thrush Combi should not be used to treat scalp or nail infections.

Women under the age of 16 and over the age of 60 must not use this medicine. 

Do not use this product without talking to your doctor if any of the below apply to you:

• You are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
• You are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• This is the first time you have had thrush
• You or your sexual partner has a sexually transmitted infection
• You have had vaginal thrush more than twice in the past 6 months

Talk to your doctor before using Canesten Thrush Combi if you have any of these symptoms:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Fever or chills
• Vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant smell
• Pain or difficulty urinating 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge that contains blood
• Lower abdominal pain
• Ulcers, sores, or blisters on the vagina

Can you buy Canesten Thrush Combi over the counter?

You do not need a prescription to buy Canesten Thrush Combi. It can be purchased from your local pharmacy.

Can you buy Canesten Thrush Combi online in the UK?

You can buy Canesten Thrush Combi online from Medicine Direct, but you must first fill out an online questionnaire to make sure it is suitable for you. This questionnaire is confidential and will be reviewed by a registered prescriber.

It is important to ensure that you are buying medicine online from a fully regulated UK pharmacy. To learn more about our company, team, medical professionals, and the licenses we hold, visit our about us page.

Canesten Thrush Combi Alternatives

Generic Clotrimazole cream can be purchased from Medicine Direct. This cream also works to relieve the discomfort that comes with the external symptoms of thrush and should be applied 2-3 times a day, just like Canesten Cream.

Alternatively, Fluconazole tablets is also available to order from our online pharmacy. This single-dose medication works to treat the internal infection by making holes in the fungus’s cell membrane, which kills the bacteria that causes thrush. You should notice the symptoms clearing within one week of taking this medicine.

How to use Canesten Thrush Combi

Always use Canesten Thrush Combi as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Read the patient information leaflet and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after you use this medication.

Each pack contains one pessary and one tube of cream.

Insert the pessary into the vagina just as you would a tampon. Insert the applicator as deep as is comfortable and slowly press the plunger until it stops; this will deposit the pessary into the vagina.

Remove the applicator and dispose of it safely, but do not flush it down the toilet.

To relieve itching and soreness, apply a thin and even amount of cream to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day. Gently rub the cream into the area.

If you have not noticed an improvement after seven days of treatment, speak to your doctor.

Canesten Thrush Combi Side Effects

Like all medicines, Canesten Thrush Combi may cause side effects in some people. 

You may experience the following side effects after using the pessary:

• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Itching, rash, redness, swelling, vaginal peeling, irritation, burning, or discomfort

You may experience the following side effects after using the cream:

• Skin peeling
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Discomfort
• Burning
• Rash
• Swelling
• Blisters

Tell your doctor if you get any of these side effects and they bother you or do not go away. 

Please read the patient information leaflet for full details on side effects, as well as advice on what to do if you get them.

Canesten Thrush Combi Warnings

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any other medicine, particularly tacrolimus or sirolimus. 

Talk to your doctor before you start using this medication if you are allergic to any other medicines. 

Canesten cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk to your midwife or doctor before using Canesten Thrush Combi if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

If your doctor or midwife says it is safe to use this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding, follow their instructions on how to apply it.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of warnings.

Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Clotrimazole. 

Please see the Summary of Product Characteristics for a full list of inactive ingredients. 

How long does Canesten Combi take to work?

You should start to see an improvement after using Canesten Combi for a few days. Tell your doctor if no improvement has occurred after using it for 7 days.

Can external creams be used to treat thrush?

External creams can also effectively treat external thrush, such as generic Clotrimazole cream.

What if I don’t treat thrush?

If you do not treat thrush, your symptoms will continue and will likely become more severe. This can lead to skin infections. Always speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you get thrush.

How effective is Canesten Combi?

When used correctly and consistently, Canesten Combi is highly effective at clearing both internal and external thrush. For effective results, it is important you keep using it for as long as instructed and that you use it properly.

What should I do if it doesn’t work?

If you have been using Canesten Combi for one week and not seen any improvement in your symptoms, you should speak to your doctor.

How many times a day can you apply Canesten Combi?

As a relief cream for soreness and/or itching, you should apply it 2 or 3 times a day.

Can Canesten Combi treat ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be cleared by antifungal creams. Speak to your doctor about which cream would be the best treatment for you to use. If you have been prescribed Canesten Combi to treat thrush, only use it for this prescribed purpose.

Is Canesten Combi effective for heat rash?

You should not use this medication to treat heat rash. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are suffering from heat rash, they can advise you on a suitable treatment.

Can Canesten Combi make thrush even worse?

In very rare cases, Canesten may cause side effects that closely mimic those of the infection itself. Stop using Canesten Combi and contact your doctor straight away if this occurs.

How will I know if Canesten Combi is working?

Your symptoms will begin to ease. You should notice less itching, soreness and irritation as you use Canesten Combi. Any unusual discharge you experienced should also cease.