General Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Canesten®
- I used a Canesten® 1-Day treatment yesterday, and my yeast infection symptoms aren’t gone yet. Why?
- Why are both cream and ComforTAB® products available?
- I am taking antibiotics and my doctor recommended that I use a multi-day yeast infection therapy. Why?
- I just used a yeast infection treatment and my yeast infection isn’t cured. Should I try again?
- I am pregnant. Can I use Canesten®?
- I’ve never had a yeast infection before, but my friends say that my symptoms sound like one. They say you don’t have to see a doctor, and you can just buy a treatment at the drugstore. Is this right?
- Can I have sex while using Canesten®?
- My daughter is under 12 years old, and she is suffering from what I’m sure is a yeast infection. Can she use Canesten®?
- What is the tube of cream that comes with the Canesten® ComforTAB® Combi-Pak?
- I am having trouble getting the Canesten® ComforTAB® to fit in the applicator. Is there something wrong?
- How does Canesten® work?
- How long does it take for Canesten® to relieve symptoms?
- What is the difference between Canesten®'s 1-Day, 3-Day and 6-Day treatments?
- Who shouldn’t use Canesten®?
1. I used a Canesten® 1-Day treatment yesterday, and my yeast infection symptoms aren’t gone yet. Why?
Although Canesten® 1-Day treatments have a single-dose application, the treatment continues to work to cure your yeast infection over 3 days. Allow up to 7 days for complete relief of your symptoms. If your symptoms do not disappear within a week, consult your doctor – you may not be experiencing a yeast infection.
2. Why are both cream and ComforTAB® products available?
We have learned that different women prefer different formats. The Canesten® ComforTAB® is less messy than creams or ovules, and many women prefer its convenience and cleanliness. However, some women, especially those who experience vaginal dryness, prefer the cream formulation.
3. I am taking antibiotics and my doctor recommended that I use a multi-day yeast infection therapy. Why?
It is common practice to use a longer treatment regimen for patients who are taking antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy alters the natural vaginal environment, which can lead to a yeast infection. This effect may continue through the duration of the antibiotic therapy. Yeast infection treatments that are delivered over multiple days to coincide with the antibiotic therapy may be most effective in this case.
4. I just used a yeast infection treatment and my yeast infection isn’t cured. Should I try again?
This is not recommended. If your symptoms do not disappear within 7 days of starting therapy, consult your doctor before trying another course of treatment. It may be that you are suffering from another type of vaginal infection.
5. I am pregnant. Can I use Canesten®?
Consult your doctor before using any product to treat a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy.
6. I’ve never had a yeast infection before, but my friends say that my symptoms sound like one. They say you don’t have to see a doctor, and you can just buy a treatment at the drugstore. Is this right?
Although it is true that yeast infection treatments are available without a prescription, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you’ve never had a yeast infection before. Once you have had a yeast infection confirmed, you should be able to recognize the symptoms of future yeast infections.
7. Can I have sex while using Canesten®?
It is probably not a good idea. If you're treating a yeast infection, you should abstain from sex during the course of the treatment and cure (about 7 days). This way, your yeast infection will likely be cured and you will minimize the chance of transmitting the infection to your partner. Also, Canesten® may reduce the effectiveness and safety of latex condoms and diaphragms, as well as vaginal spermicides. This effect is temporary and occurs only during treatment.
8. My daughter is under 12 years old, and she is suffering from what I’m sure is a yeast infection. Can she use Canesten®?
Canesten® should not be used by girls younger than 12 unless advised by a doctor. Consult her doctor to determine whether she is suffering from a yeast infection and to determine the appropriate treatment.
9. What is the tube of cream that comes with the Canesten® ComforTAB® Combi-Pak?
The cream is intended to relieve the external symptoms of burning and itching that usually accompany a yeast infection. It may be applied to the genital area, twice daily, for up to 7 consecutive days to relieve these symptoms.
10. I am having trouble getting the Canesten® ComforTAB® to fit in the applicator. Is there something wrong?
There is nothing wrong – the tablet must fit snugly in the applicator so that it does not fall out during application. Squeeze the flexible applicator so the tablet fits securely.
11. How does Canesten® work?
Canesten® uses the active ingredient clotrimazole, which is an imidazole derivative. This drug, called an “anti-fungal”, works by breaking down the cell wall of the yeast organism. Once that wall is broken down, the yeast organisms cannot grow and reproduce. Since an overabundance of yeast is the cause of yeast infections, preventing the yeast from growing and reproducing effectively treats the infection.
12. How long does it take for Canesten® to relieve symptoms?
Canesten® cures yeast infections by preventing yeast organisms from growing and reproducing. Symptom relief may occur within a few hours or a few days, but you must complete your entire chosen treatment (1-, 3-, or 6-Day) in order to cure the infection.
13. What is the difference between Canesten®'s 1-Day, 3-Day and 6-Day treatments?
With longer treatments, the amount of active ingredient is lower per dose. As a result, more days of treatment are required to deliver the dose needed to cure the infection. By contrast, Canesten® 1-Day treatments contain a higher concentration of active medication in just a single dose, but have a smaller total amount of active ingredient. The medication is dissolved into the affected area, absorbed, and released, starting to relieve your symptoms within a few hours. If your symptoms don’t improve after 3 days of treatment, don't disappear within 7 days, or if they worsen, contact your doctor.
All things considered, the length of treatment or format used is a personal preference or may be based on the recommendation of your doctor or pharmacist.
14. Who shouldn’t use Canesten®?
Talk to your doctor about Canesten®, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- If you suffer from abdominal pain or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- If you think you are pregnant
- If you are nursing
- If you are under 12 years old
- If this is your first yeast infection
- If your symptoms don’t improve after 3 days of treatment or disappear within 7 days
- If you have frequent yeast infections, or if your infection returns within 2 months
- If you develop a rash or new irritation while using Canesten®
