Instillagel Pre-filled Syringes

What is Instillagel?

Instillagel contains the active ingredient, lidocaine hydrochloride 2%, which is a local anaesthetic. Instillagel can be applied to genital herpes as and when is needed to numb the affected areas offering immediate relief from pain, discomfort and irritation.

Each 11 ml tube of Instillagel is supplied in a pre-filled sterile syringe making it quick and easy to apply even when you are on the go.

What is Instillagel used for?

Instillgel can be bought online from The Independent Pharmacy to numb the pain and irritation caused by genital herpes. Instillagel does not work to combat the infection itself, however, when used alongside other genital herpes treatments, or on its own, it can help you feel more comfortable during a flare-up.

What is genital herpes?

Genital Herpes is a highly contagious Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once you have caught herpes, through vaginal, anal or oral sex, the virus will always remain in your body but you will only experience symptoms intermittently.

The main symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Small blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks
• Tingling, itching or burning around the genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Women may also experience abnormal vaginal discharge

Symptoms of genital herpes, in most people, will clear up without any treatment, however, Instillagel can offer additional short-term relief during a flare-up.

How does Instillagel work?

Lidocaine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Instillagel which is a medicine known as a local anaesthetic. It works as soon as it is applied, by numbing any areas of the skin with which it is in contact, and by blocking pain signals from reaching your brain. The effects of Instillagel normally last for around 4 hours.

Alternatives to Instillagel

At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock a range of management and treatment options for people affected by genital herpes. Lidocaine Ointment is a direct alternative to Instillagel and works in the same way to numb sore, irritated areas. We also have antiviral tablets, including Aciclovir and Valaciclovir available on prescription.

If you are suffering from a flare-up of genital herpes but are unsure as to what is the best treatment for you, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to use Instillagel

Instillagel is for external use only to be applied directly to blisters and sores caused by genital herpes. Use directly as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Wash your hands before and after use.
2. Gently wash and dry the affected areas.
3. Apply the gel as and when is needed to the affected areas.

This treatment will not help ease the severity or reduce the duration of a flare-up of genital herpes. If you are struggling with your symptoms or are requiring to use Instillagel more than 4 times a day, to provide the relief you need you should speak to a doctor for treatment advice.

Instillagel ingredients

The active ingredients include: Lidocaine Hydrochloride, Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate (E218), Propyl Hydroxybenzoate (E216).

The gel also contains: Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propylene Glycol and Purified Water.

Instillagel side effects

Like other medicine, Instillagel may cause some people to experience side effects. The most common symptoms include an allergic rash or irritation to the skin in which it has been applied.

If you experience any side effects you should stop using this product immediately and wash your skin with warm water. If your symptoms do not improve you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

For full details regarding side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Instillagel warnings

• For external use only. Do not swallow and avoid contact with your eyes.
• Do not use Instillagel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have heart or liver problems or suffer from epilepsy.

Instillagel in pregnancy & breastfeeding

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Instillagel if you are pregnant. Only in exceptional circumstances should this medicine by applied during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Only a very small amount of the active ingredients are absorbed by the body, which means it can be used while breastfeeding.