Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream

What is Canesten Duo and when is it used?

Canesten thrush duo is a complete and convenient treatment for vaginal or penile thrush. The active ingredients of Fluconazole & Clotrimazole belong to a group of medicines called azoles and are antifungal agents which fight the cause of infection such as thrush.

This treatment is used when you have been diagnosed with thrush by your doctor. The one-use capsule and cream can treat the fungal infection usually within 7 days.

 

How will it treat my symptoms?

Capsule: The oral capsule contains the active ingredient fluconazole, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Fluconazole kills the Candida fungi causing the thrush infection by making holes appear in their cell membranes.

Cream: Clotrimazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane. Clotrimazole cream kills the fungi and treats the infection.

 

Can I buy Canesten Duo Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy certain pack sizes and doses of benzoyl peroxide over the counter in the UK. You don’t need a prescription to buy this dose, but a pharmacist will need to ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for you.

 

What causes thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection with the candida fungus. In women, there are several causes such as:

• Pregnancy – hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy alter the conditions in the vagina which makes this infection growth more likely
• Oral contraceptives – the oral contraceptive pill is thought to increase the likelihood of thrush
• Clothing – frequently wearing tight clothing, tights, or nylon pants can increase the chance of infection
• Personal hygiene products – certain deodorants, bathroom products etc. can irritate the vagina

Many people have a small amount of fungus in their bodies. However, it does not usually cause problems because it is kept under control by the body’s immune system and other harmless bacteria.

Thrush can develop when the good bacteria in your body is destroyed. For example, if you are taking antibiotics to treat an infection, the antibiotics will not distinguish between good and bad bacteria and will fight off both types.

 

Does Canesten Duo cause any side effects?

Like all medicines, Canesten thrush duo can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. With the capsule, if you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately – you may need urgent medical attention:

• The severe condition with blistering and peeling of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals
• Liver disorders with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools
• Seizures
• Change in heart rhythm or rate

After you apply the cream you may experience itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, redness, irritation or peeling of the skin.

 

What is the recommended dosage of this treatment?

The capsule is to treat thrush at the site of infection and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water (with or without food). The cream is to treat the itching and soreness of the vulva (vulvitis). Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press.

The cream should be thinly and evenly applied to the area around the entrance of the vagina, 2 or 3 times a day. It should be used until symptoms of the infections disappear.

 

How should I store this medication?

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25 degrees. Do not use Canesten thrush duo after the expiry date which is stated at one end of the carton, one the blister pack and on the end of the tube of cream.

 

Why do I need to fill in an online questionnaire to buy this product?

Some over the counter medicines are only allowed to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist. Canesten thrush treatment is one of these medicines.

Just like when you buy this medicine in a high street or local pharmacy, the pharmacist will need to ask you a few questions. This is a legal requirement for selling this type of medicine.

You may not always realise when your local pharmacist asks you the required questions, as this can sometimes be done subtly. When sold online, we need to make sure our pharmacists have all the information they need to ensure this treatment is right for you.

To buy this medicine, simply fill in the short questionnaire and add the product to cart. Then proceed to checkout.

 

More Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

 

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about an addiction to 'over the counter' medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support