Canesten Thrush Cream 2%

Use Canesten 2% Cream as advised by your clinician and follow the patient information leaflet:

• Canesten 2% cream is for external use only. Do not swallow it.
• Before using the cream, wash and dry the affected area.
• Apply a thin, even layer of cream to the irritated area of the vulva and the skin around it 2-3 times a day, rubbing it in gently.
• Continue the treatment until symptoms completely disappear, but avoid prolonged use without medical advice.
• Male partners can apply the cream to the end of the penis 2-3 times a day for up to two weeks to prevent re-infection.

Side effects include:

• Mild irritation, itching, or burning at the application site
• Lower abdominal pain
• Swelling or redness in the vagina
• Redness, swelling, rash, blistering or peeling of the skin
• Lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding

More severe side effects can include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or swallowing. If these occur, stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately.

• Do not use Canesten 2% Cream if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any of its other ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol.
• Avoid sex while you have thrush and are using this cream, as your partner may become infected. The cream may also damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so use another form of contraception during treatment and for at least five days afterwards.
• Inform your doctor of your pregnancy and breastfeeding status before using Canesten cream.
• Consult your doctor before using Canesten cream if you have blisters or sores around your vulva.
• Speak to a doctor if this is your first episode of thrush, you have had thrush more than twice in the last six months, you or your partner have had a sexually transmitted infection, or you are under 16 or over 60.
• Do not use the cream, and speak to a doctor, if you have irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding, a blood-stained or foul-smelling discharge, lower abdominal pain, pain when passing urine, fever or chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Do not use Canesten cream after the expiry date.

Each gram contains 20mg of clotrimazole (2% w/w). The other ingredients are benzyl alcohol, purified water, cetyl palmitate, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetostearyl alcohol and octyldodecanol. Cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol can cause local skin reactions in some people.