Dalacin V

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NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.

Clindamycin phosphate

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Dalacin V Cream. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Dalacin V Cream against the benefits it is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Dalacin V Cream is used for

Dalacin V Cream is an antibiotic. It is used to treat vaginal infection.

Dalacin V Cream works by stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the vaginal infection.

Your doctor may have prescribed Dalacin V Cream for another purpose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why Dalacin V Cream has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before you use Dalacin V Cream

When you must not use it

Do not use Dalacin V Cream if you have an allergy to clindamycin or lincomycin or any of the ingredients in Dalacin V Cream listed at the end of this leaflet.

Do not use Dalacin V Cream if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Do not use Dalacin V Cream if the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.

If you are not sure whether you should start using Dalacin V Cream, contact your doctor.

Before you start to use it

You must tell your doctor if:

1. you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes

2. you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Dalacin V Cream when pregnant.

3. you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Dalacin V Cream when breastfeeding.

4. you have or have had any other medical conditions, including inflammation of the bowel or severe diarrhoea associated with the use of antibiotics.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you use Dalacin V Cream.

Using other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are using other creams, ointments or lotions or taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Dalacin V Cream. These include:-

the antibiotic, erythromycin

medicines used for muscle relaxation in anaesthesia

These medicines may be affected by Dalacin V Cream or may affect how well Dalacin V Cream works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Your doctor or pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using Dalacin V Cream.

How to use Dalacin V Cream

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

Their directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions in this leaflet, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to use and how long to use Dalacin V Cream

The recommended dose of Dalacin V Cream is one applicator-full (about 5 grams) of cream, once-a-day, at bedtime, for seven days in a row.

How to use Dalacin V Cream

The plastic applicators provided with Dalacin V Cream are designed to allow the correct placement of the cream in the vagina. To load and use the applicator correctly, follow these steps:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the vaginal applicator.

Remove the cap from the tube of cream.

Screw the open end of the applicator onto the tube. Gently squeeze from the base of the tube, forcing the cream into the applicator.

As the cream enters the applicator, the plunger will be pushed back until it reaches the stopping point. At this stage, unscrew the applicator from the tube and replace the cap.

Choose a position to apply Dalacin V cream which is comfortable for you, keeping in mind that the applicator must reach as high as is comfortable in the vagina. This may be the position which you usually use for the insertion of a tampon. For example:

a) squatting;

b) standing with your legs apart or with one leg raised on a chair;

c) lying on your back with your legs raised.

The lips of the vagina should be parted with the fingers of one hand. Grasp the applicator between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand and insert it (open end first) into the vagina as deeply as it will comfortably reach.

Holding the applicator in place, slowly push the plunger until it stops, so depositing the cream in the vagina.

Carefully withdraw the applicator from the vagina and dispose of the applicator safely where children cannot find it.

If you forget to use Dalacin V Cream

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, and then go back to using Dalacin V Cream as you would normally.

Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you use too much

It is important that you do not use more Dalacin V Cream than your doctor has prescribed. If you do use more Dalacin V Cream than you have been prescribed, contact your doctor for advice. Some of the symptoms which you may experience if you use Dalacin V Cream too often include, increased irritation of the vagina, vulva and cervix.

If Dalacin V Cream is swallowed

Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency Casualty at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have swallowed Dalacin V Cream. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

You may need urgent medical attention. Keep these telephone numbers handy.

While you are using Dalacin V Cream

Things you must do

Tell all doctors and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Dalacin V Cream.

If you are about to start taking any new medicines, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are using Dalacin V Cream.

If you feel that Dalacin V Cream is not helping your condition, tell your doctor.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used Dalacin V Cream exactly as prescribed.

Things you must not do

Do not use condoms or vaginal contraceptive diaphragms as methods of contraception while using Dalacin V Cream or within 72 hours after the end of your treatment with Dalacin V Cream. Condoms or diaphragms may not work as mineral oil in Dalacin V Cream may weaken the latex or rubber in these contraceptive devices.

Do not take any medicines for diarrhoea (e.g., Lomotil) without first checking with your doctor.

Do not give Dalacin V Cream to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not use Dalacin V Cream to treat other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Things to be careful of

Dalacin V Cream will cause burning and irritation if it gets in your eyes. If by accident you get Dalacin V Cream in your eyes, rinse the eye with lots of cool tap water.

Side effects

Check with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any problems while using Dalacin V Cream, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.

Like other medicines, Dalacin V Cream can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

vaginal irritation

vaginal itching

vaginal discharge

dizziness

headache

vertigo

heartburn

nausea

vomiting

diarrhoea

constipation

stomach pain

rash

hives (itchy rash)

redness of the skin (erythema)

pain when passing urine.

pelvic pain

back pain

irregular menstruation

altered taste

bad breath

flatulence

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects while you are using Dalacin V Cream or several weeks after stopping treatment:

severe stomach cramps;

watery and severe diarrhoea which may also be bloody;

fever, in combination with one or both of the above.

These are rare, but serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using Dalacin V Cream

Storage

Keep Dalacin V Cream in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25 degrees C. Do not store Dalacin V Cream, or any other medicine, in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave them in the car or on window sills.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep Dalacin V Cream where children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop using Dalacin V Cream or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any cream left over.

Product description

What it looks like

Dalacin V is a white cream. It is available in a 40 g collapsible laminate tube. Each 40 g pack also contains 7 disposable applicators intended to be used once only at night for 7 days.