Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream is an effective 2-step treatment designed to treat the cause and symptoms of thrush. 

The duo is easy to use at home or on the go. It includes an oral capsule and a double-strength external cream.

How Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream works

The capsule contains the active ingredient fluconazole. Fluconazole works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection. When applied to the infected area, it destroys the fungus which has caused the infection.

The external cream contains the active ingredient clotrimazole. Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus (yeast) that is causing the infection. It kills the fungus by creating holes in its cell membrane. The contents then leak out. 

Directions

Always take/use Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / pharmacist has told you. 

Swallow the capsule with a glass of water. You can take it at any time of the day.

The cream is used to treat the itching and soreness of the vulva. It should be applied to the area around the entrance of the vagina. Apply the cream 2-3 times per day. Continue to use the cream until the symptoms go away.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects include: 

• Headaches
• Stomach discomfort 
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick and vomiting 
• Increases liver function tests
• Rashes 

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. 

Warnings

Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsules & External Cream may be unsuitable for certain people. Women should not use or take this product if:

• You have irregular vaginal bleeding 
• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge 
• You have ulcers, blisters or sores of the vagina or vulva
• You have lower abdominal pain 
• You have pain or difficulty passing urine 
• You have a fever or chills
• You feel sick or are vomiting 
• You have diarrhoea
• You have a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina 

Men should not take or use this product if:

• Your sexual partner does not have thrush
• You have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis 
• You have abnormal discharge from your penis 
• Your penis has started to smell
• You have pain or difficulty passing urine

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking or using this product if: 

• You are unsure if you have thrush or if this is your first time with the symptoms 
• You have had more than two infections of thrush in the last six months
• You or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted disease
• You have ever had any disease or illness affecting the liver or kidneys 
• You have ever had any unexplained jaundice 
• You have heart problems including heart rhythm problems 
• You suffer from any other chronic disease or illness

The capsule contains lactose monohydrate. Talk to your doctor if you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars.

The cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraception such as condoms. You should use alternative contraception for at least 5 days after using the cream.

Using/taking other medicines

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medication. 

Do not use or take Canesten Thrush Duo if you are taking:

• Astemizole 
• Terfenadine 
• Cisapride
• Pimozide 
• Quinidine 
• Erythromycin

You must inform your doctor if you are taking:

• Anticoagulants 
• Sulphonylureas 
• Hydrochlorothiazide 
• Benzodiazepines 
• Phenytoin or carbamazepine 
• Rifampicin or rifabutin 
• Ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tofacitinib 
• Theophylline 
• Zidovudine or saquinavir 
• Losartan 
• Alfentanil, fentanyl, methadone 
• Halofantrine 
• Amiodarone 
• Amitriptyline or nortriptyline 
• Ivacaftor 
• Statins including simvastatin, atorvastatin or fluvastatin 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  
• Ibrutinib 
• Tolvaptan 
• Lemborexant 
• Lurasidone

Age restrictions 

This product is not suitable for anyone under 16 unless advised by a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This product is not suitable during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking or using any new products. 

Driving and operating machinery 

This product can cause dizziness. If you are affected, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel safe to do so.

Storage information

Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking/using 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/using 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 pharmacist before taking/using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or 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.