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Often, the
first healthcare professional a patient makes contact with to discuss a
possible vaginal yeast infection is a nurse, pharmacist, or other medical
practitioner—in many cases, over the phone. The patient may suspect that she
has a vaginal yeast infection and would like to know if an over-the-counter
treatment may be appropriate. As you know, patients presenting with symptoms of
a yeast infection may in fact be suffering from a different type of vaginitis,
such as bacterial vaginosis. Ultimately, a diagnosis in a clinical setting is
the best way to ensure patients receive the treatment they need. Even in cases
where a patient has had vaginal yeast infections in the past, recurrent
infections that are difficult to treat may be a sign of a more serious
condition such as HIV infection or diabetes.
If a patient incorrectly uses an OTC product to treat their infection, symptom
relief and condition cure will be delayed. (6) What’s more, an analysis of the
patient’s vaginal fluid cannot be conducted to make a proper diagnosis until
the product used has dissipated from the vaginal walls. |
| The
importance of a proper diagnosis |
| Whether
it’s the first time they’ve experienced yeast infection symptoms or they have
been treated in the past for a yeast infection, here are a few things you can
tell patients—in person or on the phone—to make sure they come in to get a
proper diagnosis (6-9): |
•
With proper treatment, most yeast infections can be cured quickly.The best way
to get quick relief is to be properly evaluated by a
healthcare professional. |
| •
Bacterial vaginosis—not yeast infection—is the most common form of vaginitis. |
| •
Infections that can or may have symptoms, like vaginal itching, similar to
those of a yeast infection include bacterial vaginosis and
trichomoniasis—both of which may lead to complications if
left untreated.There are different types of vaginal
infections that require different kinds of treatment. |
•
A proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential for quick relief and
to
avoid any more serious consequences. |
| •
Complications from delayed treatment of certain vaginal infections include: |
|
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
|
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• Endometritis |
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• Urinary tract infections |
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• Infertility |
|
• Delivery complications in pregnant women |
|
• Increased risk of HIV infection and other STDs |
|
•
Recurrent infections that are hard to get rid of can be an early sign of a more
serious condition like HIV or diabetes. |
Print
a copy of this discussion guide in PDF format 
(40k PDF)
|
| |
| Application: Answering
questions about using Gynazole·1® |
|
For those patients prescribed Gynazole·1, there may be questions regarding
application. The Prescribing Information contains an illustration that guides
patients on how to apply Gynazole·1 via a single-dose, prefilled applicator.
You can also download that diagram here.
|
| Print
a copy of this diagram in PDF format
(65k PDF)
|
|
| Important Gynazole•1 Information |
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