What Is Canesten Thrush Combi?

Canesten Thrush Combi is a combination treatment designed to clear both the internal infection and the external symptoms of vaginal thrush. It contains two products: a single-dose vaginal pessary to treat the infection at its source inside the vagina, and a clotrimazole cream to relieve itching, redness, and soreness around the vulva.

The active ingredient in both treatments is clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine that works by destroying the membranes of fungal cells, stopping the infection from spreading and helping symptoms settle quickly.

This combination approach ensures that both the cause and the discomfort of thrush are treated at the same time.

What Is Canesten Thrush Combi Used For?

Vaginal Thrush

Canesten Thrush Combi treats vaginal thrush caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. It addresses internal infection with the pessary and external irritation with the cream.
External Symptoms of Thrush
The cream is specifically for soothing external itching, burning, or irritation around the vulva and surrounding skin.

How Does Canesten Thrush Combi Work?

Clotrimazole, the antifungal in both the pessary and cream, works by blocking the production of ergosterol, a key part of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, fungal cells become weak and break down. This stops the infection and allows healing to occur, while also relieving itching and discomfort.

When to Consider Canesten Thrush Combi for Thrush Treatment

Canesten Thrush Combi is suitable for women who:

• Experience both internal and external thrush symptoms.
• Want a complete treatment that targets the cause of infection and relieves discomfort at the same time.
• Have had thrush before and recognise the symptoms.

Who Should Use Canesten Thrush Combi?

Women who:

- Are aged 16 or over.
- Have mild to moderate symptoms of thrush.
- Want an over-the-counter option to treat both internal and external symptoms.

Who Should Avoid Canesten Thrush Combi?

Do not use this product if you:

- Are under 16 years old.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by a doctor.
- Are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredients.
- Have thrush symptoms for the first time, or experience frequent recurrences, without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist after 7 days of treatment.

Thrush vs Cystitis

The symptoms of thrush and cystitis can overlap. Both can cause pain or burning when urinating. However:

• Thrush often causes itching, redness, irritation, and a white discharge.
• Cystitis typically causes burning and urinary frequency but does not cause vaginal discharge.
• If you are unsure which condition you have, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Canesten Thrush Combi.

Effectiveness

Canesten Thrush Combi is a widely used, proven treatment for vaginal thrush. Most women experience relief within a few days, though the cream should be applied as directed for the full course to ensure symptoms do not return. Individual response to treatment may vary.

Practical Tips

- Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear to keep the area cool and dry.
- Avoid tight trousers or tights, as these can make symptoms worse.
- Wash underwear in hot water or tumble dry to help kill any remaining fungal spores.
- Avoid perfumed soaps or shower gels, which can upset the natural balance of the vagina.

Alternatives

Other Canesten thrush treatments available include:

• Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary (single internal dose)
• Canesten Thrush Duo (oral capsule plus external cream)
• Canesten Internal Cream (for intravaginal use only)

Can You Buy Canesten Thrush Combi Over the Counter?

Yes. Canesten Thrush Combi is available without prescription in the UK from pharmacies and licensed online providers. Always ensure you purchase from a trusted source to guarantee authenticity.

Precautions While Using Canesten Thrush Combi

- Do not use if you are allergic to clotrimazole or other ingredients in the product
- Stop use and consult a doctor if you develop a rash, swelling, or worsening irritation
- The cream is for external use only and should not be applied inside the vagina
- Wash your hands before and after use to avoid spreading infection
- Speak to a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if symptoms keep returning

How to Use Canesten Thrush Combi

The pack contains two treatments: a vaginal pessary for internal use and a cream for external use. Both should be used as directed to ensure the infection and symptoms are properly treated.

Vaginal Pessary (Internal Treatment)

• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Remove the pessary from its packaging.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and legs slightly apart.
• Gently insert the pessary as high as possible into the vagina using your finger or the applicator (if supplied).
  This is usually done at night before going to bed, as lying down helps keep the pessary in place.
• A panty liner may be useful as some residue can leak out overnight.

Clotrimazole Cream (External Treatment)

• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to the irritated area around the entrance of the vagina and the vulva.
• Gently rub in until the cream disappears.
• Use the cream two to three times daily until symptoms clear, usually within a few days

Treatment Duration

- The pessary is a single-dose treatment.
- The cream should be continued for up to 7 days to relieve external symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Additional Guidance

Avoid using tampons, douches, or spermicides while treating thrush with Canesten, as these can reduce effectiveness.
Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, as thrush can be passed on to your partner and the pessary may damage condoms or diaphragms.

If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or if they return within 2 months, consult a healthcare professional.

Active Ingredient

Clotrimazole

• 500 mg in the pessary
• 20 mg (2%) per gram in the external cream

Inactive Ingredients

Vaginal Pessary:

Lactose monohydrate
Maize starch
Crospovidone
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
Magnesium stearate
Colloidal anhydrous silica

External Cream (2%):

Benzyl alcohol
Polysorbate 60
Sorbitan stearate
Cetyl palmitate
Cetostearyl alcohol
Octyldodecanol
Purified water

Common or mild side effects

• Vaginal discomfort or swelling
• Burning or stinging inside the vagina
• Irritation or redness
• Mild bleeding
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Redness or rash on the skin around the vulva
• Itching or peeling skin after cream application

Rare or serious side effects

• Allergic reaction with rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling

When to seek help

• Mild irritation often improves as treatment continues, but stop use if symptoms get worse
• If side effects persist beyond a few days, speak to a healthcare professional
• Seek emergency medical help if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)