PATIENT INFORMATION
TERAZOL® 7 VAGINAL CREAM 0.4%
(terconazole)
TERAZOL® 3 VAGINAL CREAM 0.8%
(terconazole)
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Filling the applicator:
Remove the cap from the tube.
Use the pointed tip on the top
of the cap to puncture the seal on the tube.
Screw the applicator onto the
tube.
Squeeze the tube from the
bottom and fill the applicator until the plunger stops.
Unscrew the applicator from the
tube.
Using the applicator:
1. Lie on your back with your knees drawn up toward your
chest.
Holding the applicator by the
ribbed end of the barrel, insert the filled applicator into the vagina as
far as it will comfortably go.
Slowly press the plunger of the applicator to release the
cream into the vagina.
Remove the applicator from the
vagina.
Apply one applicatorful each
night for as many days at bedtime, as directed by your doctor.
Cleaning the applicator:
(Does not apply to sample applicators, which are for one time use only)
After each use, you should
thoroughly clean the applicator by following the procedure below:
1. Pull the plunger out of the barrel.
Wash the pieces with lukewarm,
soapy water, and dry them thoroughly.
Put the applicator back
together by gently pushing the plunger into the barrel as far as it will go.
NOTE: Store the cream at
Controlled Room Temperature 15–30°C (59–86°F). See end flap for lot number and
expiration date.
TERAZOL® 3
VAGINAL SUPPOSITORIES 80mg
(terconazole)
Three oval suppositories,
for use inside the vagina only.
Designed to be inserted into
the vagina.
HOW TO USE:
Place one suppository into the vagina each night at bedtime,
for 3 nights, as directed by your doctor. The TERAZOL Suppository is
self-lubricating and may be inserted with or without the applicator.
A. Insertion with the applicator
1. Filling the applicator
Break off suppository from the plastic strip.
Pull the plastic completely apart at the notched end.
Place the flat end of the
suppository into the open end of the applicator as shown. You are now ready to
insert the suppository into the vagina.
2. Using the applicator
Lie on your back with your
knees drawn up toward your chest.
Holding the applicator by the
ribbed end of the barrel, gently insert it into the vagina as far as it will
comfortably go.
Press the plunger to release
the suppository into the vagina.
Remove the applicator from the
vagina.
3. Cleaning the applicator
(Does not apply to sample applicators, which are for one time use only)
After each use, you should
thoroughly clean the applicator by following the procedure below:
Pull the plunger out of the
barrel.
Wash both pieces with lukewarm,
soapy water, and dry them thoroughly.
Put the applicator back
together by gently pushing the plunger into the barrel as far as it will go.
B. Insertion without the
applicator
Lie on your back with your
knees drawn up toward your chest.
Place the suppository on the
tip of your finger as shown.
Insert the suppository gently into the vagina as far as
it will comfortably go. NOTE: Store the suppositories at Controlled Room
Temperature 15–30°C (59–86°F). See end flap for lot number and expiration date.
A WORD ABOUT YEAST
INFECTIONS
Why do yeast infections
occur?
Yeast infections are caused by
an organism called Candida (KAN di duh). It may be present in small and
harmless amounts in the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. Sometimes the
natural balance of the vagina becomes upset. This may lead to rapid growth of Candida,
which results in a yeast infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection include
itching, burning, redness, and an abnormal discharge.
Your doctor can make the
diagnosis of a yeast infection by evaluating your symptoms and looking at a
sample of the discharge under the microscope.
How can I prevent yeast
infections?
Certain factors may increase
your chance of developing a yeast infection. These factors don't actually cause
the problem, but they may create a situation that allows the yeast to grow
rapidly.
Clothing: Tight jeans, nylon
underwear, pantyhose, and wet bathing suits can hold in heat and moisture (two
conditions in which yeast organisms thrive). Looser pants or skirts, 100%
cotton underwear, and stockings may help avoid this problem.
Diet: Cutting down on sweets,
milk products, and artificial sweeteners may reduce the risk of yeast
infections.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics work by
eliminating disease-causing organisms. While they are helpful in curing other
problems, antibiotics may lead to an overgrowth of Candida in the vagina.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in the
body during pregnancy encourage the growth of yeast. This is a very common time
for an infection to occur. Until the baby is born, it may be hard to completely
eliminate yeast infections. If you believe you are pregnant, tell your doctor.
Menstruation: Sometimes monthly changes
in hormone levels may lead to yeast infections.
Diabetes: In addition to heat and
moisture, yeast thrives on sugar. Because diabetics often have sugar in their
urine, their vaginas are rich in this substance. Careful control of diabetes
may help prevent yeast infection.
Controlling these factors can
help eliminate yeast infections and may prevent them from coming back.
Some other helpful tips:
1. For best results, be sure to use the medication as
prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better quickly.
Avoid sexual intercourse, if your doctor advises you to
do so. The suppository formulation (not the cream) may damage the diaphragm.
Therefore, use of the diaphragm during therapy with the suppository is not
recommended. Consult your physician.
If your partner has any penile itching, redness, or
discomfort, he should consult his physician and mention that you are being
treated for a yeast infection.
You can use the medication even if you are having your
menstrual period. However, you should not use tampons because they may absorb
the medication. Instead, use external pads or napkins until you have finished
your medication. You may also wish to wear a sanitary napkin if the vaginal
medication leaks.
Dry the genital area thoroughly after showering, bathing,
or swimming. Change out of a wet bathing suit or damp exercise clothes as soon
as possible. A dry environment is less likely to encourage the growth of yeast.
Wipe from front to rear (away from the vagina) after a
bowel movement.
Don't douche unless your doctor specifically tells you to
do so. Douching may disturb the vaginal balance.
Don't scratch if you can help it. Scratching can cause
more irritation and spread the infection.
Discuss with your physician any medication you are
already taking. Certain types of medication can make your vagina more
susceptible to infection.
Eat nutritious meals to promote your general health.