Canesten Duo is a combination thrush treatment that contains an oral capsule and external cream.

The single-dose 150mg fluconazole tablet is an antifungal that works to clear the internal thrush infection, helping to restore balance in the vaginal microbiome.

The 2% clotrimazole cream is an external antifungal cream that soothes the itching, irritation, and burning you may experience.

Canesten Duo can relieve thrush symptoms in 2 days. However, if your symptoms have not improved within 7 days, you should speak to your doctor for more advice.

How effective is Canesten Duo?

A study comparing the effectiveness of a single oral dose of 150mg of fluconazole compared to an intravaginal tablet found that fluconazole cleared inflammation and discharge in 84.7% of patients and cleared the fungal infection in 80.5% compared to 83.3% and 70% of patients in the vaginal tablet group.

Clotrimazole 2% cream is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication which means it can kill many different types of fungi that can cause infection. It also works against several bacterial species which can lower the vaginal pH and cause infection and irritation such as Gardnerella vaginalis.

To take the capsule:

• swallow whole with a glass of water
• the capsule can be taken with or without food

Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream.

To use the cream:

• pierce the tube seal with the end of the cap
• apply a thin layer of cream around the entrance of the vagina 2 to 3 times a day
• ensure the cream is smoothed in gently
• keep applying the cream until your symptoms have disappeared

Always use Canesten Duo exactly as your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist has told you. If you are unsure, the medicine package leaflet will have detailed instructions.

When to take and apply Canesten Duo?

Each Canesten Duo pack is supplied with 1 oral capsule and you only need 1 dose. You can take this at any time, with or without food.

The cream is applied 2 to 3 times a day and may be best applied after showering, first thing in the morning and before going to bed.

How long do you need to use Canesten Duo for?

Your thrush symptoms should disappear within 2 days of starting treatment. If you haven’t noticed any improvement in 7 days, you will need to tell your doctor.

If the infection comes back after 7 days, you can take another capsule. If you have more than 2 infections in 6 months, you’ll need to see a doctor for alternative treatment.

Canesten Duo is available online from reputable online doctor services such as Superdrug Online Doctor. It is also available over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Can I buy Canesten Duo online?

Yes, you can request Canesten Duo from Superdrug Online Doctor. You’ll need to:

1. Fill out a short online health and lifestyle questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.
2. If approved, you can choose to have your treatment delivered the next day to your home address or you can collect it in as little as 2 to 3 hours after a doctor’s approval.

Can I buy Canesten Duo over the counter?

Yes, you do not need a prescription to buy Canesten Duo. It is widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Can I get Canesten Duo on the NHS?

No, Canesten Duo is not available on the NHS.

Like all medications, Canesten Duo can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.

After you apply the external cream you may experience:

• itching
• rash
• blisters
• burning
• discomfort
• swelling
• redness
• irritation
• peeling skin

Some of the side effects that can be caused by the oral capsule are listed below:

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• headache
• stomach discomfort
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• increased liver function blood test results
• rash

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• pale skin, weakness, or breathlessness caused by low red blood cell count
• reduced appetite
• sleep problems
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• spinning sensations
• tingling, prickling, or numbness
• taste changes
• seizures
• constipation
• indigestion
• dry mouth
• muscle pain
• wheals, blistering, or hives
• fatigue
• generally feeling unwell

Rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 1000 people) include:

• reduced white blood cell count
• red or purple skin discolouration
• low blood potassium
• shaking
• hair loss

A full list of side effects can be found in the package leaflet that’s supplied with your medication.

How long do Canesten Duo side effects last?

Mild side effects usually clear up after you stop using the external cream. Any side effects caused by the capsule should ease within a few days, after the medication has left your system.

What to do if you get Canesten Duo side effects

If you experience any of the following serious allergic reaction side effects when using Canesten Duo, stop using it and go to A&E straight away:

• widespread rash that doesn’t go away
• swallowing or breathing difficulties
• swollen lips, face, throat, or tongue
• weakness, dizziness, or fainting

Mild side effects will usually go away on their own and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers if necessary. The cream is meant to be relieving. If it is causing bothersome side effects that aren’t going away after trying it several times, wash it off and stop using it. You may be able to find another thrush cream to help with the symptoms of thrush, or they should go away within 2 days of taking the oral capsule.

If you find any symptoms concerning or difficult to manage, contact your doctor for advice.

Do not use Canesten Duo if you:

• are allergic to fluconazole, clotrimazole, any other antifungal medications or any other ingredients in the Canesten Duo capsule or cream

You must not use Canesten Duo if you are taking any of the following medications:

• astemizole
• terfenadine
• cisapride
• pimozide
• quinidine
• erythromycin

Before using Canesten Thrush Duo tell your doctor if you:

• are not sure if you have thrush or if this is the first time you’ve had these symptoms
• have had more than 2 thrush infections in the last 6 months
• or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• are under 16 or over 60 years old
• have ever had any illness that affects your liver or kidneys, or have had unexplained jaundice
• have heart problems
• have any chronic illnesses

Canesten Duo and pregnancy

Canesten Duo is not suitable if you are or think you might be pregnant. If you are considering getting pregnant, you should wait a week after a single dose of fluconazole before trying for a baby.

Canesten Duo and breastfeeding

Canesten Duo is not suitable for use during breastfeeding unless your doctor has told you so.

Canesten Duo may not be suitable for everyone or you may be looking for a different thrush treatment.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer the following vaginal thrush treatments:

• Canesten Combi – a combined treatment that effectively treats thrush in women containing a vaginal tablet (pessary) and 2% clotrimazole cream
• Canesten Cream – 2% clotrimazole cream that can be used on its own to treat thrush symptoms
• Clotrimazole cream – a generic version of Canesten Cream that can be used to treat thrush in men and women

What is the difference between Canesten Duo and Canesten Combi?

Canesten Combi and Canesten Duo work in the same way but they contain different products. Canesten Combi contains a pessary (vaginal tablet) and a cream which both contain the active ingredient clotrimazole whereas Canesten Duo contains an oral fluconazole capsule and a clotrimazole external cream.

Can you use Canesten Duo when you are on your period?

No, it isn’t advisable to use Canesten Duo during your period because it can wash out the cream, making the treatment less effective.

How do I know if I have thrush?

Thrush symptoms can vary depending on where it is in the body and who it affects. Thrush can also be mistaken for another common vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. So, it is important to speak to your doctor if you are unsure if you have thrush.

Symptoms of thrush in women, include:

• white vaginal discharge that usually doesn’t smell and has a cottage cheese consistency
• vaginal itching and irritation
• soreness and stinging during sex and when you pee

Symptoms of thrush in men include:

• white, cottage-cheese-like discharge coming from the penis
• irritation, burning, and redness around the penis head and under the foreskin
• an unpleasant smell
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for the first time or are not sure if you have thrush, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.