Before using econazole

Before using econazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a previous history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) or have been exposed to a partner with a sexually transmitted disease.
• If you have had more than two episodes of thrush in the last 6 months.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use econazole

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use econazole exactly as directed by your doctor.
• If you have been given pessaries, insert a pessary high into the vagina using the applicator at bedtime. Your doctor will have told you whether to do this on one night only or on three consecutive nights. If you have been told to use the pessaries for three nights, make sure you complete the course of treatment even if this is during your period, otherwise your symptoms may come back.
• If you have been given cream for symptoms of vaginal thrush, apply a small amount of cream to the genital area in the morning and evening. Continue to use the cream for several days after your symptoms have disappeared to prevent them from returning.
• If you have been given cream for other areas of skin, apply a small amount of cream to the affected area in the morning and evening and rub in gently. Continue to use the cream for 1-2 weeks until all the signs of the infection have gone.

Getting the most from your treatment

Vaginal cream and pessaries:
• This treatment can damage the latex in condoms and diaphragms. While you are using econazole you will need to use another method of contraception.
• Leakage can sometimes occur as the pessaries melt. This is nothing to worry about but wearing panty liners may help.
• Vaginal thrush is a common problem but it can be reduced by avoiding wearing tight clothing, and by using unscented soaps and bath products.

Can econazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. While econazole does not usually cause any side effect apart from occasional irritation, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine.

How to store econazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Gyno-Pevaryl® 1, Janssen-Cilag Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised October 2003, accessed 26 June 2008.
• British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.