Can you use monistat to prevent a yeast infection

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact of this product with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation lasts.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use the medication usually once daily at bedtime for 1 to 7 nights depending on the product used, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the single dose tablet, it may be used during the daytime or at bedtime.

If using the vaginal cream, follow the package instructions on how to fill/use the applicator with the cream. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator filled with cream into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator in to apply the cream. Make sure to insert the correct cream for use inside the vagina, not the skin cream for use on the outer genital area (vulva).

If using the vaginal tablet, you may use either the applicator or your finger to insert the tablet. Unwrap the tablet before use. Follow the package instructions on how to fill the applicator with the vaginal tablet. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert the tablet or the applicator into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator to release the tablet.

If you have itching/burning around the outside of the vagina (vulva), apply the skin cream to that area usually twice a day for no more than 7 days. If you are using a product with only the vaginal cream, you may apply a small amount of the vaginal cream to the area.

Continue to use this medication every day for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days or if your menstrual period starts. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the yeast infection to return.

Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other vaginal products while using this medication. Unscented sanitary napkins may be used for your menstrual period or to protect your clothing from leakage of the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 days or lasts more than 7 days. Tell your doctor if your infection returns within 2 months. You may need a different or additional medication to treat your condition.

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.

This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact of this ointment with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation lasts.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

This product is usually given as a single dose at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert the applicator filled with medication into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator in to apply the full dose of the ointment. If you have itching/burning around the outside of the vagina (vulva), you may also apply some ointment to that area.

Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products while using this medication. Unscented sanitary napkins may be used for your menstrual period or to protect your clothing from leakage of the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 days or lasts more than 7 days. Tell your doctor if your infection returns within 2 months. You may need a different or additional medication to treat your condition.

Every year, millions of cases of vaginitis (vaginal inflammation) affect women of all ages, but they are especially susceptible during the reproductive years.1 Fluctuating hormonal levels, bacteria, and sexual activities are just a few of the most common reasons women experience vaginal infections and discomfort. Knowing your body well and understanding your symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options will help you decide upon a course of action that is right for you.

How to identify a vaginal yeast infection

Not all women will experience noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection. If the infection is mild, the symptoms may be subtle. Knowing what’s normal for you will help you identify changes in your vaginal health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for the first time, consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Most women have one or more of these yeast infection symptoms:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva
• Pain when urinating or having sex
• Vulvar inflammation (redness, swelling, rash)
• Vaginal pain, soreness, or burning
• Vaginal discharge that may be thick, white, and lumpy like cottage cheese

The three most common forms of vaginitis are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomoniasis. Symptoms for all three can include some form of vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation, so it is important to understand how they are different so you can get the right treatment. Use the following information as a guide to help identify a vaginal yeast infection:2-5

Common Symptoms

Yeast Infection

Bacterial Vaginitis

Trichomoniasis

Itching/Irritation

Usually

Sometimes

Usually

Odor

None

Fishy or unpleasant

Musty or unpleasant

Discharge

Thick, white, cottage cheese-like

Thin, milky white or grey

Frothy, yellow-green

Burning

Usually

Rare

Usually

Common Treatments

MONISTAT®, other over-the-counter and prescription treatments

Prescription Antibiotics

Prescription Antibiotics

If you experience any of the following symptoms, ask a healthcare professional before using MONISTAT®, as they could be signs of another type of infection.

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash or hives
• Lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Foul-smelling or greenish/grayish vaginal discharge
• Missed periods
• Frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate or difficulty passing urine

Treating a Yeast Infection

If you know that it is a yeast infection from past experience and are familiar with the symptoms, you want an effective and convenient medicine - one that works at the site of the infection. Try MONISTAT®, the #1 OTC antifungal.

MONISTAT® comes in 3 doses: highest dose MONISTAT® 1, regular strength MONISTAT® 3, and low dose MONISTAT® 7. Regardless of which product you choose, you should begin to experience some symptom relief after 3 days, and complete relief in 7 days.

Highest Dose MONISTAT® 1 may be the perfect solution for busy women with active lifestyles. This powerful single-dose product is available in the Ovule® form for use day or night and will stay in place during daily activities, even during exercise.

Regular Strength MONISTAT® 3 is a great option for women who want a less concentrated treatment that provides consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels.

Low Dose MONISTAT® 7 has smaller doses of the active ingredient evenly distributed throughout the week at bedtime. Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant and diabetic women (consult your healthcare professional).

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