Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & Cream (Fluconazole 150mg, Clotrimazole 2%)

Product Summary

Canesten Thrush Duo provides you with internal and external treatment for thrush symptoms: an oral capsule plus a soothing double-strength cream. This product is suitable for adults between 16 and 60 years of age.

This duo kit contains Canesten Thrush Cream Clotrimazole (10g) & Canesten Oral Capsule.

Directions

Capsule:

Swallow whole with a glass of water with or without food.

Cream:

• For vaginal thrush: apply thinly and evenly around the entrance of the vagina 2 to 3 times daily for one week or until symptoms disappear.
• For penile thrush: apply thinly and evenly at the end of the penis 2 to 3 times daily for up to 2 weeks or until symptoms disappear.

Ingredients

Capsule ingredients

• Active ingredient: Fluconazole 150mg
• Other ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch and sodium lauryl sulphate. The capsule shell contains brilliant blue FCF, (E133), titanium dioxide (E171) and gelatine. The printing ink contains shellac, black iron oxide (E172) and propylene glycol.

Cream ingredients

• Active ingredient: Clotrimazole 2% w/w
• Other ingredients: benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

Warnings and Restrictions

• This is a medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist.
• Do not use if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medicine other than the contraceptive pill, and if you are aged under 16 or over 60.
• If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, see your doctor.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Should I use the Canesten Thrush Duo or the Canesten Thrush Pessary?

Both Canesten Thrush Duo and the Canesten Thrush Pessary are vaginal thrush treatments, but they work slightly differently and are most suited to different needs or preferences.

Canesten Thrush Duo contains an oral capsule (fluconazole) that cures the infection from within, as well as a cream to soothe outside irritation and discomfort around the vaginal area. It is a good option if you do not want internal treatments or if the thrush keeps coming back again and again. It's also convenient for those who would rather have a one-off capsule than a physical treatment.

The Canesten Thrush Pessary is a tablet that you insert into your vagina yourself, usually at night. It works by releasing clotrimazole directly where the infection is. It's a good option if your symptoms are primarily internal (i.e. discharge and internal itching), and you don't wish to swallow an oral capsule.

How does Canesten Thrush Duo work?

Canesten Thrush Duo strikes thrush from the inside and outside with two types of treatment. The internal oral capsule (150mg fluconazole) strikes the infection from the inside by inhibiting the development of the yeast (Candida) that infects it. The external cream (2% clotrimazole) calms symptoms like itching, redness, and tenderness around the vaginal or penile area.

How long does it take to work?

Most people begin to feel relief from discomfort between 1 and 2 days following the ingestion of the capsule and application of the cream. The cream must be applied 2 to 3 times daily until the symptoms disappear. Even if improvement is felt soon after, it is necessary to continue using the cream for several days to prevent the infection from recurring.

Can I use Canesten Thrush Duo if I've never experienced thrush?

If you've never experienced thrush before, it's always best to talk to your doctor first before using Canesten Thrush Duo. This is to make sure your symptoms aren't caused by something else, such as a bacterial infection or another skin complaint.

If you’ve had thrush diagnosed before and the symptoms feel familiar, this treatment can be suitable. However, if you’re getting thrush four or more times a year, this is known as recurrent thrush, and it’s essential to speak to a doctor. Ongoing infections might need a longer course of treatment or further tests to check for an underlying cause, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Is using Canesten Thrush Duo with other medicines or during pregnancy safe?

The oral capsule, fluconazole, can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), some diabetes tablets, and medicines for epilepsy or mental health conditions. If you’re taking any other medication, including those bought over the counter or herbal remedies, speak to your pharmacist before using Canesten Thrush Duo.

This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or expect to become pregnant. If you suspect you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, ask your GP or midwife for appropriate treatment. Alternative thrush treatments are available that could be safer when you are pregnant.

Can I still have sex or use condoms when using Canesten Thrush Duo?

It is best to avoid sex until the infection has fully cleared. Thrush can be passed back and forth between partners, and sex may also cause additional irritation of the infected area, leading to delayed healing.

The cream can make latex condoms and diaphragms weak, so they will not function as well to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. If you're using the cream in the vaginal or penis area, use other methods of contraception (such as non-latex condoms) for at least five days after treatment has finished.

What can I do if my symptoms do not improve or come back?

If your symptoms haven't improved after 7 days of treatment or are getting worse, you should contact your pharmacist or GP. You might need to be prescribed a different treatment or have a different type of infection (e.g., bacterial vaginosis or skin infection).

If your thrush symptoms recur after treatment, it is usually safe to re-treat with Canesten Thrush Duo - but recurrent infections must always be investigated. Thrush is sometimes a symptom of an impaired immune system, high blood sugar levels, diabetes or other health conditions that will be helped by medical attention.