Canesten Pessaries

Canesten Pessary for Vaginal Thrush Treatment

What are Canesten Pessaries used for?

Canesten Pessary is used to treat vaginal thrush (candidiasis). It’s inserted into the vagina so it works directly at the site of the infection.

Thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida, which normally lives harmlessly in the vagina. Certain factors, such as hormonal changes, antibiotics or perfumed soaps, can upset this natural balance and allow the yeast to multiply, leading to symptoms like:

• Itching and burning around the vagina and vulva
• Redness, swelling and soreness
• A whitish, odourless vaginal discharge

Not everyone with thrush experiences all of these symptoms. You may only notice one or two.

How do Canesten Pessaries work?

Canesten thrush pessaries contain clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine that belongs to a group called azoles.

Clotrimazole works by targeting the cell membrane of the Candida yeast. It blocks the fungus from producing a substance it needs to keep its cell membrane intact. Without this, the fungal cell breaks down, and the yeast cannot survive.

Because the pessary is inserted directly into the vagina, clotrimazole acts at the site of the infection rather than first travelling through the rest of the body.

Who can use Canesten Pessaries?

Canesten Pessary is suitable for adult women who have been diagnosed with vaginal thrush.

Don’t use Canesten Pessary if you:

• Are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients
• Are on your period, as the pessary may be less effective

Speak to your doctor before using Canesten Pessary if:

• You’re unsure if you have thrush or it’s the first time you’ve had these symptoms
• You’ve had more than two thrush infections in the last six months
• You or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection
• You’re under 16 or over 60
• You’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Canesten or another vaginal antifungal product
• You have irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge
• You have ulcers, blisters or sores on the vagina or vulva
• You have lower abdominal pain
• You have pain or difficulty passing urine
• You have a fever or chills
• You feel sick or are vomiting
• You have diarrhoea
  
• You have a foul smelling vaginal discharge

Canesten Pessary can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but tell your doctor or midwife before using it.

How to Use Canesten Pessaries & Applicator

Wash your hands before and after handling the applicator and pessary.

1. Remove the applicator from its packaging and pull out the plunger
2. Remove the pessary from its foil blister pack and place it into the open end of the applicator, curved edge facing down
3. Push the plunger into the applicator until it clicks, then remove the red lock from the plunger
4. Lying on your back with your knees bent, carefully insert the applicator as deep as is comfortable into the vagina, up to the patterned grip zone
5. Hold the applicator at the grip zone and push the plunger all the way until it stops, to release the pessary
6. Remove the applicator and, if it’s reusable, take it apart to wash thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse and dry before storing it in a clean, safe place

Use Canesten Pessaries preferably before going to sleep, so the pessary stays in place overnight:

• 100mg: one pessary a night for 6 consecutive nights, or two pessaries a night for 3 consecutive nights
• 200mg: one pessary a night for 3 consecutive nights
• 500mg: one pessary, which provides a full course of treatment in a single dose

It’s normal to notice a white, chalky discharge as the pessary dissolves. This doesn’t mean the treatment hasn’t worked. If you notice undissolved pessary pieces, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as the treatment may not have worked properly.

Symptoms of thrush should start to improve within three days of treatment. Contact your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved after 7 days, or if they return after that time.

Side Effects of Canesten Pessaries

Like all medicines, Canesten Pessaries can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

After using the pessary, you might experience:

• Itching, rash, swelling, redness, discomfort, burning or irritation
• Vaginal peeling, discharge or bleeding
• Abdominal or vulvovaginal pain
• Nausea

Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Stop using the pessaries and contact your doctor straight away, or go to your nearest A&E, if you notice:

• A rash
• Swallowing or breathing problems
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
• Weakness, dizziness or feeling faint
• Nausea

If you notice any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Canesten Pessaries Ingredients

Active ingredient: Clotrimazole, at a strength of 100mg, 200mg or 500mg depending on the pessary

Other ingredients: Calcium lactate pentahydrate, maize starch, crospovidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, lactic acid, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose and microcrystalline cellulose

Warnings and Precautions

• Canesten Pessaries may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives such as condoms or diaphragms. Use alternative contraception for at least 5 days after use.
• Don’t use tampons, vaginal douches, spermicides or other vaginal products while using this treatment.
• Avoid vaginal intercourse while you have thrush and during treatment, as your partner could become infected.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking tacrolimus or sirolimus, as these can interact with clotrimazole.
• Canesten Pessaries are for vaginal use only. Don’t put the pessary in your mouth or swallow it. If it’s swallowed accidentally, contact your doctor straight away or go to your nearest A&E.
• Keep the pessaries out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the carton and blister strip.
• Don’t store above 25°C.
• Don’t dispose of pessaries or the applicator via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of them safely.