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Patient Reference Guide
Treatment
of thrush…
helping to meet
the needs of
every woman
Thrush is a very common condition. It is
estimated that around 75% of all adult women
will have at least one episode during their
lifetime.1 While thrush is not a medically
serious condition, its symptoms can be
unpleasant and should always be treated
promptly.
1. Sobel JD. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1985; 152: 924.
WHAT is thrush?
Thrush is an infection of the vagina caused
by a yeast called Candida albicans. Harmless
yeasts are often found in the vagina, but in
some women, Candida albicans multiplies
rapidly and causes problems. It produces
irritating substances that are discharged
in the normal secretions, and this causes
inflammation to the sensitive skin around
the vaginal opening. It is this irritation that
is often the first sign of thrush.
HOW do I know if I have thrush?
Although genital itch in women in the
reproductive years is most commonly caused
by thrush this condition can have many other
symptoms:
• itching and burning in the entrance to the
vagina and the genital area
• discharge is white or yellowish, sometimes
has a crumbly consistency, and is almost
odourless
• affected tissue may become irritated or
swollen
• pain is rare though some women find
intercourse uncomfortable.
Not everybody who has thrush will have all of
these symptoms.
WHY do women get thrush?
It is not fully understood why this happens
in some women and not others, however it
is known that thrush is linked to female
hormones. When the vagina is stimulated by
the ovarian hormone oestrogen, it can become
prone to thrush infection. This is why women
in their child-bearing years may be affected,
including during pregnancy. Girls who have
not reached puberty and women who have
passed menopause do not have enough
oestrogen for Candida albicans to grow. Some
exceptions are when hormone treatment is
being used or when an illness is present.
There may be additional situations, eg, certain
medications, which contribute to a thrush
infection. It is recommended you work with
your doctor to identify if this is the case for
you. Avoiding them may reduce the chance of
you getting thrush.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do when I’m PREGNANT?
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated it is
suitable to use Canesten pessaries or creams.
In fact, it is probably more important to treat
thrush during pregnancy than at any other
time. In any case you should always ask your
obstetrician or other health care professional
for advice.
Canesoral Oral and Canesoral Duo capsules
contain fluconazole and should NOT be used
during pregnancy.
HOW LONG will it take to relieve
my symptoms?
Relief should occur within 3-4 days of using
Canesten or Canesoral.
If using a 3 or 6 Day Canesten treatment it is
important to complete the full course.
What should I do when I have my PERIOD?
Changes in hormone levels around the time
of your period can contribute to thrush. If
this happens you can use Canesten Cream or
Canesten Pessaries to treat the infection or
try an oral treatment like Canesoral. Your
period will not affect the treatment.
Do MALE PARTNERS need treatment too?
No. Thrush is mostly associated with female
hormones (oestrogen) and the cells that
respond to them. These hormones are found
in the vagina, but not on the genital skin of
males. If your partner suspects an infection,
consult your doctor or health care professional.
WHEN should I see a doctor? If you:
• have not had thrush before or are unsure
if you have it
• have had thrush more than twice in the
past 6 months
• are pregnant
• are less than 18 years old or past
menopause
• have had an allergy to any thrush
treatments
• have symptoms that don’t disappear
within 4 days
• have vaginal or abdominal pain
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding, or
strong odour
• have any vaginal sores or blisters.
How do I treat Thrush?
If you develop thrush you will need to treat
with an anti-fungal thrush treatment. There is
a range of treatment options available from
the makers of Canesten. Every woman is
different so the best option for you will
depend on your individual circumstance.
Canesten Creams
Canesten Creams are inserted high into the vagina
with the applicator. It is important to note that even
though vulvar itch is very common; you should not
apply Canesten Cream solely to your external skin
as the infection is inside the vagina.
Depending upon your needs and circumstances,
there are single application creams or creams which
can be applied over several days. A longer treatment
is preferred for women who suffer from repeated
infections. Creams may also be the preferred option
for women with vaginal dryness.
Once cream
3 day cream
6 day cream
Canesten Combination therapy
The combination pack of Canesten pessary + cream
offers a single pessary for internal treatment with
the addition of an external cream. The cream gives
immediate relief from the symptoms of itching and
burning.
Once pessary
+ cream
Canesten Pessaries
Canesten Pessaries are compressed, solid tablets
that are inserted high into the vagina with the
applicator to treat the source of the infection.
Depending on your needs and circumstances
there are single application pessaries or a course
that is inserted over 6 days. A longer treatment
may be preferred for pregnant women or women
who suffer from repeated infections.
Once pessary
6 day pessary
Canesoral Oral
A convenient oral capsule to treat thrush
Canesoral Oral capsule is an effective single dose
(one capsule) treatment for vaginal thrush. The
oral treatment offers a discreet and convenient
option for people ‘on the go’ This may also be a
preferred option when you have your period.
Canesoral Oral can also be taken when condoms
and diaphragms are used for contraception.
NEW
Combination therapy
Canesoral Duo
The 2-in-1 answer to thrush relief
Canesoral Duo combines a single oral capsule to treat
the infection and a cream to relieve discomfort.
Canesoral Duo comprises a single 150 mg fluconazole
capsule plus a 10 g tube of 1 % Canesten Cream to
relieve external irritation.
Simply swallow the oral capsule whole with a glass
of water (with or without food). The Canesten Cream
supplied in the Canesoral Duo pack can be used to
soothe irritation as the capsule quickly gets to work.
Canesoral (Oral and Duo) should not
be used during pregnancy.
For further information
www.canesten.com.au
Do not take pessaries by mouth. Consult your
doctor if you have not had thrush before.
Always read the label. Use only as directed.
If symptoms persist, see your doctor. Your pharmacist’s
advice is required when purchasing thrush treatments.
© 2007 Bayer HealthCare, Consumer Care
Bayer Australia Limited ABN 22 000 138 714
875 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW 2073
Medical & Drug Information: 1800 023 884
® Registered trademark of Bayer.
Prepared by Professional Communications.