Canesten Pessaries

Canesten Pessary dosage

Canesten pessaries are to be used to treat vaginal thrush only and are to be inserted directly into the vagina. If you have swallowed a Canesten Pessary you should speak to a doctor straight away.

Canesten pessaries are available in 3 strengths and are suitable to treat mild-moderate vaginal thrush in children and adults from 16-60 years old.

Canesten Pessary 100mg: Insert 1 pessary at night for 6 consecutive days or insert 2 pessaries at night for 3 consecutive days.

Canesten Pessary 200mg: Insert 1 pessary at night for 3 consecutive days.

Canesten Pessary 500mg: Insert 1 tablet at night for 1 night.

Canesten Pessary instructions

Please see the Patient Information Leaflet for detailed instructions on how to use Canesten pessaries.

Canesten Pessary should be inserted in 4 easy steps:

1. Remove the plastic applicator and 1 pessary from the blister pack and insert the pessary into the wide end of the applicator.
2. Squeeze the wide end of the applicator at both sides and push the pessary into the hole so that about 1cm is inside the applicator.
3. Lie down on your back and insert the end of the applicator with the pessary now inside as deep into the vagina as you can and then slowly push the other end to dislodge the pessary leaving it inside the vagina.
4. Withdraw the now empty applicator. If you are reusing the applicator ensure that you clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water between uses.

What if I miss a dose of Canesten Pessaries?

If you forget to insert your pessary before you go to bed you can insert in the next morning but it is best to wait to use it until the following night where possible.

How often can you use Canesten Pessaries?

If you notice that your symptoms have not cleared after 7 days you may need to repeat your treatment and you should discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.

If you have recurring symptoms of vaginal thrush on 2 or more occurrences within 6 months you should speak to your doctor for advice.

Canesten Pessary ingredients

Canesten pessaries are available in 3 strengths they either contain:

100mg, 200mg, 500g of the active ingredient Clomatrizole.

Canesten pessaries also contain the inactive ingredients:

Calcium lactate pentahydrate, lactic acid, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate.

Please note this is not a full list of the ingredients contained in Canesten Pessary, you must ensure that you have read and familiarised yourself with the information provided in the Patient Information Leaflet before starting treatment.

Canesten Pessary side effects

In the same way, like other medications, there are side effects that are associated with the use of Canesten Pessary. Please be aware that not everyone will experience side effects in the same way.

This is not a full list of reported side effects, make sure that you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment.

If you think you may be experiencing an allergic reaction of severe side effects from the use of Canesten Pessary you should stop using this medication and seek advice from a doctor immediately.

If you experience any of the following more common side effects and they do not go away after you stop treatment or you are concerned you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist:

• Discomfort or swelling around the vaginal opening (vulva) or lips (labia)
• Pain or a burning sensation when inserting the pessary
• Pain in the lower stomach (pelvic area)
• Bleeding from the vagina

Burning after using Canesten Pessaries?

One of the more common side effects of using Canesten Pessary is experiencing stinging or a burning sensation inside or around the vagina when inserting or shortly after inserting the pessary.

If you experience stinging or burning around the vagina and it is very painful, it is causing you concern or does not go away after you stop using the pessaries you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings for Canesten Pessaries

For a full list of warnings and precautions please ensure that you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment.

If you are taking any other medication it is advised that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatments.

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

• Consult your doctor if this is your first time to experience candidal vaginitis symptoms.
• If you or your partner has ever had a sexually transmitted disease, or if you have had more than two cases of candidal vaginitis in the last 6 months, consult your doctor before using the product.
• If you are aged over 60 years of age or under 16 years of age, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vaginal anti-fungal products including imidazoles and Canesten, consult your doctor before using the product.
• Consult your doctor before using Canesten Pessary if you have irregular and abnormal vaginal bleeding or foul smelling vaginal discharge or blood-stained discharge, nausea or vomiting, fever or chills, diarrhoea, vaginal or vulval ulcers, sores or blisters, dysuria, lower abdominal pain or adverse events such as irritation, redness or swelling associated with this product.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Canesten Pessaries & pregnancy

Canesten Pessary is not recommended for use during pregnancy, if you are breastfeeding or if you are trying for a baby. If you are experiencing symptoms of thrush and are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor to discuss your options.

Canesten Pessaries during your period

It is recommended that you do not use Canesten Pessary during your period as it may decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

You should also avoid using tampons and other intravaginal products when using Canesten pessaries.

Canesten Pessaries and condoms

Canesten Pessary like other pessaries can reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms. It is therefore advised that you use alternative precautions during and for at least 5 days after finishing treatment.

Can I have sex when using Canesten pessaries?

Although vaginal thrush is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection it is possible for the fungi that cause thrush to be passed to a sexual partner. It is therefore recommended that you do not have sexual intercourse until your symptoms have cleared.