Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary - 500mg

What Is the Canesten Thrush Pessary and How Does It Help?

Vaginal thrush is incredibly common. In fact, around three quarters of women will experience it at least once in their lifetime. It is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans, which naturally lives in the vagina in small amounts. When the balance tips, symptoms like itching, soreness, and a thick white discharge can appear — and they can be genuinely uncomfortable. The canesten thrush pessary is a single-dose, soft gel vaginal treatment containing 500mg of clotrimazole, designed to tackle the infection directly at the source. You can find it alongside other treatments in our thrush treatments collection.

This product is available over the counter for women aged 16 and over who have previously been diagnosed with vaginal thrush by a doctor. It is a P (pharmacy) medicine in the UK, meaning a pharmacist must be involved in the sale — which is exactly what happens when you order through Cured Pharmacy.

How Does the Canesten Soft Gel Pessary Work Against Thrush?

Clotrimazole, the active ingredient in this pessary, belongs to a class of medicines called azole antifungals. It works by targeting the fungal cell membrane. Here is what happens after you insert the pessary:

• Clotrimazole inhibits an enzyme called lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which the fungus needs to produce ergosterol — a key component of its cell membrane.
• Without ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes leaky and structurally unstable.
• The fungal cells can no longer function properly and eventually die.
• The soft gel formulation dissolves quickly once inserted, allowing the medicine to spread and act across the vaginal walls.

Because the 500mg dose is concentrated, a single application is usually enough to clear an uncomplicated infection. That is one of the reasons many women prefer this format over multi-day treatments.

Who Is the Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary Suitable For?

This product is intended for women who recognise the symptoms of vaginal thrush from a previous confirmed diagnosis. It is not suitable for first-time sufferers who have never had thrush confirmed by a doctor, as other conditions can cause similar symptoms. It is also worth browsing our women's health collection if you are looking for broader support alongside your thrush treatment.

This pessary is suitable for:

• Women aged 16 and over with a previously confirmed diagnosis of vaginal thrush
• Those who prefer a single-dose, internal treatment over daily creams or tablets
• Women who are not in the first trimester of pregnancy (second and third trimester use should still be discussed with a GP)
• Those who are not currently using latex condoms or diaphragms as their primary contraception (see interaction notes below)

How Does the Canesten Pessary Compare to Other Thrush Treatments?

How Should You Store the Canesten Thrush Pessary?

Store this product below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. The soft gel formulation can be sensitive to heat, so avoid leaving it in warm environments such as a car glove compartment or a bathroom that gets very steamy.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary and What Is It Used For?

Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary 500mg is a single-dose antifungal treatment for vaginal thrush (also called vulvovaginal candidiasis). It contains clotrimazole, an azole antifungal that kills the Candida yeast responsible for the infection. Symptoms it treats include vaginal itching, soreness, redness, and a thick, white, odourless discharge. It is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK and is available without a prescription for women aged 16 and over who have previously had thrush confirmed by a doctor.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary?

Before using this pessary, read the following carefully. There are situations where this product is not appropriate and where you should speak to a doctor first.

Do not use this product if you:

• Are under 16 years of age
• Have never had vaginal thrush diagnosed by a doctor before
• Are in the first trimester of pregnancy
• Have had more than two thrush infections in the last six months
• Have abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, or a blood-stained discharge
• Have vulval or vaginal sores, ulcers, or blisters
• Have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredient in the product

Drug interactions to be aware of:

• The oils in the soft gel pessary can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms — avoid using these for at least five days after treatment
• Clotrimazole may interact with tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant) — speak to your doctor if you take this medicine
• No significant interactions with oral contraceptive pills have been reported

How Should You Use Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary?

Using the pessary correctly makes a real difference to how well it works. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the pessary.
2. Remove the pessary from its packaging and attach it to the applicator provided.
3. Lie on your back with your knees bent and legs apart.
4. Gently insert the applicator as deeply as is comfortable into the vagina.
5. Press the plunger slowly to release the pessary, then carefully withdraw the applicator.
6. Wash your hands again after use.
7. Dispose of the applicator hygienically — it is for single use only.

It is best to insert the pessary at bedtime so it remains in place overnight. Some discharge or leakage is normal the following morning — wearing a panty liner can help. You can also explore our fungal infection treatments if you need additional antifungal support for other areas of the body.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary?

Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are local and mild.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild burning or stinging sensation after insertion
• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Increased vaginal discharge

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Pelvic discomfort or cramping
• Skin rash or redness around the vaginal area
• Allergic reaction — including swelling, severe itching, or difficulty breathing (seek immediate medical attention if this occurs)

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within seven days, stop using the product and consult your GP. It is worth noting that some women find a canesten thrush pessary causes temporary mild irritation that settles quickly — this is usually not a cause for concern.

How Should You Store Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton
• Do not store in a bathroom or anywhere with high humidity
• Do not freeze

If you have any unused product after treatment, dispose of it safely. You can return unused medicines to your local pharmacy — do not put them in household waste or flush them down the toilet. For more information on women's intimate health, visit our sexual health collection.