What is Monistat-1?
Monistat-1 is a single-dose combination kit containing a vaginal cream and tablet used to treat a vaginal yeast infection. The cream is designed to stay within the vagina to work without having to reapply every day for seven days.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, happening to over 1 million women in the United States each year. A type of vaginitis, a vaginal yeast infection is caused by a specific type of yeast called candida. You always have yeast in your body, but when it grows rapidly, you can get an infection.
A vaginal yeast infection is a condition characterized by burning, itching, redness, and a white discharge from the vagina and vulva.
Monistat-1 Yeast infection treatment combination pack contains an Ovule insert with the maximum strength dose available over-the-counter along with external itch cream for symptom relief.
The ready-to-use ovule insert contains 1200 mg Miconazole Nitrate with a disposable contoured applicator.
What are some of the benefits of Monistat 1 vs. an oral prescription treatment?
Monistat 1 may be a better choice than Diflucan® (fluconazole), because:
o Monistat 1 relieves yeast infection symptoms 4 times faster
o Monistat 1 cures more of the most common types of yeast infections
o Monistat 1 starts working right at the site of infection (vs. the prescription pill which has to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream before they start working).
o Women who have had previous yeast infections and are experiencing the same symptoms do not have to wait for a doctor’s appointment to get the relief they need.
o Your health insurance company may now require that you use over-the-counter miconazole or Monistat 1 before a prescription pill.
How should I use Monistat-1?
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.
The Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack includes a single Ovule insert that goes directly into the vagina with an applicator and a cream to relieve external itching and irritation. It’s important to keep the Ovule insert dry before use.
How to insert the ovule: When ready, open the pouch and put the Ovule in at the top (wider) end of the applicator. Once the Ovule is secure in the applicator, hold the applicator at the bottom end and insert the top end into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, like you would a tampon. Push in the moveable plunger with your finger so the Ovule gets inserted into your vagina. Gently pull out the empty applicator and throw it away (do not flush). The ovule gradually melts to deliver medicine directly to the site of the infection.
The Monistat 1 Ovule stays in place and can be used day or night, making it a great solution for women who don’t want to wait until bedtime to begin treating their yeast infection, or for those who exercise frequently or engage in high levels of activity.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve external itching and irritation, you can use the included itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact with 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 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.
How Long Does Monistat 1 Stay Inside Your Vagina?
Once Monistat-1 Ovule has been inserted, it must remain inside until the whole medication is absorbed. On average, Monistat 1 ovule will melt or dissolve within 10-15 minutes, although it can take up to 30 minutes.
Leave the Ovule in place all through the day or overnight, to ensure maximum benefit, and avoid the use of tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products while using this medication.
Monistat-1 may take up to 7 days to completely clear up your infection. However, not all vaginal infections are caused by yeast. If symptoms occur again within 2 months, check with your doctor.
Can I exercise while taking Monistat 1?
No, avoid rigorous exercise while taking Monistat 1. The medication is best taken at night when you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This will reduce leakage. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using Monistat 1.
What should I do if it doesn’t clear up?
If your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious condition. If this is the case, stop the use of the product and contact your healthcare professional.
Can I use Monistat 1 while on my period?
Yes, Monistat 1 can be used during your menstrual period. In fact, many women get vaginal yeast infections just before their period because of hormone changes. Using Monistat 1 during your period will not affect how well the product works. If you have started treatment and your period occurs, you should complete the full course of treatment. Do not use tampons while using Monistat 1 because tampons may remove some of the medication from the vagina. Use sanitary napkins or pads instead, and change them often.
If my symptoms clear up before I finish using, Monistat 1, can I stop treatment?
No, the manufacturers recommend the product be used as directed in order to fully cure the infection. When using Monistat 1 as directed, you may start to get relief from symptoms in a few hours. If your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious condition. If you completed the full course of medication and your symptoms do not get better stop the use of the product and contact your healthcare professional.
Can I safely use Monistat 1 antifungals if I am pregnant?
No, only a 7-day topical yeast infection treatment is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Does Monistat 1 interact with any medication?
Yes, Monistat 1 may interact with warfarin. Other products that may increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections include antibiotics, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), and drugs that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporine, and methotrexate).
