Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. Our antibiotic gel for BV is a topical treatment and should be applied once daily to restore the healthy acidic pH in the vagina which supports healthy bacteria that act as a barrier to vaginal infections.
A NOTE FROM OUR PHARMACY
Fast, Effective Relief for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
This prescription-only treatment targets the bacteria causing BV directly. In just five easy daily applications, it works to restore your natural balance, and avoids the annoying side effects of oral meds.
- Trusted by professionals: Only available by prescription, so you know it’s legit.
- Quick results: Feel better in just five days!
- Targeted relief: Applied directly inside the vagina for fast, effective relief.
Make sure to finish the full course to prevent BV from coming back (it loves to make repeat appearances). After a quick online consultation, you can have Zidoval discreetly delivered to your door as soon as the next day.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed. It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and results in an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora.
Symptoms of BV include a thin greyish-white vaginal discharge that may have a fishy odour, an increase in vaginal discharge, and a burning sensation during urination.
BV is common and can be caused by anything that changes the ph balance of the vagina. This includes using scented soaps or bubble baths. It can also be caused by wearing tight-fitting clothing that prevents air from circulating, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. It is not a sexually transmitted infection and cannot be passed on through sex. BV can recur and can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, if left untreated. BV is easily treatable with antibiotic gel, cream or tablets.
Apply Zidoval vaginal gel (5g) directly inside the vagina once daily, at bedtime, for 5 consecutive days.
- To use, pierce the sealed end of the tube and screw the open end of the applicator tightly onto the tube of gel.
- Squeeze the tube, filling the applicator with gel.
- Remove the applicator from the tube and gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go.
- Push the plunger to release the gel.
- Dispose of the applicator as instructed.
As with all vaginal infections, sexual intercourse during the infection and during treatment with Zidoval vaginal gel is not recommended. It is also not recommended to use Zidoval whilst on your period.
If irritation occurs during usage, it is advised to use less frequently or to temporarily stop and seek medical advice if necessary.
Zidoval contains Metronidazole which is a nitroimidazole. If you have a history of blood dyscrasias this gel should be used with caution. Zidoval contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reactions. It also contains propylene glycol which may cause skin irritation. See the leaflet inside your prescription for more information.
Unnecessary and prolonged use of this medication should be avoided.
See the leaflet inside your prescription or the patient information on this page for more information.
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Zidoval 7.5 mg/g Vaginal Gel
Metronidazole
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet see section 4.
- In this leaflet, Zidoval 7.5 mg/g Vaginal Gel is called Zidoval gel.
What is in this leaflet
- What Zidoval gel is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before you use Zidoval gel
- How to use Zidoval gel
- Possible side effects
- How to store Zidoval gel
- Contents of the pack and other information.
1.What Zidoval gel is and what it is used for
Zidoval gel belongs to a group of medicines called antibacterials. These work by killing many kinds of bacteria that cause infections.
Zidoval gel is used to treat an infection of the vagina (called bacterial vaginosis or BV for short) in adults. Zidoval gel is applied inside the vagina where it destroys the bacteria at the site of the infection.
It is important that bacterial vaginosis is treated and cleared completely otherwise the infection can come back. You must take the full course of this medicine as prescribed by your doctor to prevent this from happening.
2. What you need to know before you use Zidoval gel
Do not use Zidoval gel if:
- You are allergic to metronidazole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6.)
- You are allergic to any similar nitroimidazole antibacterials
- You are allergic to parabens (a preservative agent) If any of the above applies to you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zidoval gel:
- If you have ever had any blood problems or a disease affecting the blood
- If you have, or think you may have vaginal thrush (candidiasis). The symptoms of vaginal thrush may become more noticeable when you use Zidoval gel and you may need another treatment from your doctor for this
- If you are having your period
- If you are having blood tests because metronidazole can interfere with the results of some tests.
- Avoid prolonged and unnecessary use of this medicine.
As with all vaginal infections, you should avoid sexual intercourse during the infection and whilst you are using Zidoval gel.
Children and adolescents
Zidoval gel is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age because the medicine’s safety in these groups has not been established.
Elderly
Zidoval gel is not recommended for use in the ederly because the medicine’s safety in this group has not been established.
Other medicines and Zidoval gel
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Zidoval gel may increase the effect that the following medicines have:
- Coumarin anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which are used to prevent blood clotting
- Lithium, a medicine to treat mental illness
- Cyclosporin, a medicine used to treat autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis
- 5-fluorouracil, a medicine used for skin problems and the treatment of cancer
- Any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Zidoval gel with alcohol
Drinking alcohol whilst using Zidoval gel may make you feel or be sick, become confused, have a headache or have an abnormally fast heart beat. If this happens, stop drinking alcohol and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breast–feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Zidoval gel contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reactions.
Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.
3. How to use Zidoval gel
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Zidoval gel is for vaginal use only.
Important: Your doctor will choose the dose that is right for you. Your dose will be shown clearly on the label that your pharmacist puts on your medicine. If it does not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you apply Zidoval gel
Good hygiene whilst using Zidoval gel is very important. Always:
- Wash your hands before opening the tube or touching the applicators
- Use a fresh applicator for each dose.
- Immediately throw away each used applicator in the waste bin.
Adult dose
The dose of Zidoval gel is one 5 g application inserted into the vagina once daily, at bedtime, for five consecutive days.
Use in children and adolescents
This medicine is not recommended for use by children under 18 years of age.
Use in the elderly
This medicine is not recommended for use by the elderly.
Instructions for use
- Disposable (throw away) applicators are provided with Zidoval gel to help you put the gel into your vagina
- pening the tube: Remove the cap from the tube of Zidoval gel and pierce the sealed end of the tube with the pointed end of the cap
- Filling the applicator: Screw the open end of an applicator on to the end of the open tube. Squeeze the tube gently and slowly from the bottom to fill the applicator. The plunger will move as the applicator fills and will stop moving when it holds the required 5 g dose of Zidoval gel. Remove the applicator from the tube and replace the cap on the tube
- Releasing the gel: Slowly push the plunger down into the applicator to release the gel into your vagina. Continue pressing down until the plunger stops. This will ensure you have released the correct amount of gel
- Remove the applicator from the vagina and throw it in the waste bin immediately. Repeat this procedure using a fresh applicator at bedtime for five consecutive days, or as directed by your doctor. If after using the full 5-day course of Zidoval gel you don‘t feel better, you should see your doctor again.
If you use more Zidoval gel than you should
Do not use more Zidoval gel than you should. If you accidentally use too much ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Using too much of this medicine can increase the risk of side effects (see Section 4 below).
If you forget to use Zidoval gel
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Apply Zidoval gel at your next bedtime.
If you stop using Zidoval gel
Do not stop using Zidoval gel during a 5-day course of treatment without first talking to your doctor. It is important that you take the full course so that your infection clears up completely.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Zidoval gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Headache and dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Being sick
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth • Unusual feeling on your tongue • Dry skin
- Redness of the skin (erythema)
- Itching of the skin (pruritus)
- Skin discomfort (burning, pain of skin/stinging)
- Skin irritation
- Vaginal thrush (candidiasis)
- Vaginal discharge
- Discomfort around your pelvis
- Decreased appetite.
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Feeling sick
- Tiredness
- Feeling irritable
- Difficulty in sleeping
- An unusual feeling in your fingers and toes
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloated or gurgling stomach
- A dry mouth or feeling thirsty
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Muscle cramps
- Darkened urine
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that may cause pain or a burning sensation when you pass water, or may make you need to pass water more often or more urgently
- Swelling of your vulva (the outside of your vagina)
- Changes in your periods such as spotting or bleeding between periods or increased discomfort during your period.
The following side effect has also been reported (frequency not known)
- An itchy rash (urticaria).
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Zidoval gel
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the tube after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Zidoval gel contains
- Theactivesubstanceismetronidazole.Eachgramofgelcontains 7.5 mg of metronidazole.
- Theotheringredientsare:Carbopol974P,disodiumedetate,methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), propylene glycol (E1520), sodium hydroxide (E524) and purified water.
What Zidoval gel looks like and contents of the pack
Zidoval Vaginal gel is colourless or straw coloured. It comes in a 40 g aluminium tube with a screw on plastic cap in a carton. The carton also contains 5 disposable vaginal applicators that deliver 5 g of gel.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Mylan Products Ltd. Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Meda Manufacturing, Avenue JF Kennedy, 33700 Merignac, France.
This leaflet was last revised June 2018.
If this leaflet is difficult to see or read, or you would like it in a different format, please contact: Mylan Products Ltd. Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom
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