Gyno-Pevaryl pessaries (econazole)

How does it work?

Gyno-Pevaryl pessaries contain the active ingredient econazole. Econazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Gyno-Pevaryl pessaries are used to treat fungal infections of the vagina, such as vaginal thrush.

Econazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As econazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Econazole pessaries are inserted into the vagina to treat infections of the vagina with yeasts, in particular Candida albicans. This infection causes inflammation and discharge from the vagina and is often known as vaginal thrush. Inserting the medicine high into the vagina allows the econazole to act directly in the area of infection.

Your doctor may prescribe one single econazole pessary, or a course of three pessaries to treat the infection. The pessaries can also be used in combination with econazole cream applied directly to the outside of the vagina (vulva and labia) to help relieve the external symptoms of the infection, such as itching, inflammation and soreness.

What is it used for?

Inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with Candida albicans or other yeasts (also known as vaginal thrush).

Warning!

Gyno-Pevaryl pessaries must not be taken by mouth. They are for vaginal use only.

The pessary should be inserted into the vagina at bedtime using the applicator provided.

Gyno-Pevaryl pessaries may damage latex (rubber) condoms and diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use an alternative method of contraception while using this medicine, or preferably avoid having sex until after the infection has cleared up. Remember that having sex while you still have the infection is likely to transmit the infection to your partner, who could then transfer it back to you.

If your sexual partner also has symptoms of thrush (soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin or a white, odourless discharge from the penis) it is important that they are treated at the same time as you, for example with econazole cream, to prevent you being re-infected. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

It is important to finish the prescribed course of this medicine, even if any itching and discharge has got better and it seems the infection has cleared up. This is to ensure that the infection is fully treated and thus reduce the chance of it coming back.

You should consult your doctor if your symptoms persist or come back after treatment.

Not to be used in

This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 16 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Very little of this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the vagina and it is generally considered safe for treating thrush in pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, it should be avoided during the first trimester unless considered essential by your doctor. Always check with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. While pregnant you should not use the applicator to insert the pessaries. Use your fingers instead. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Since very little of this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the vagina it is unlikely that any of the medicine will pass into breast milk. As a result it is generally considered safe for use by mothers who are breastfeeding. However, as with all medicines, always seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Vaginal discomfort

Burning or irritation of the vagina

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines.

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