Fluomizin

Fluomizin is a bacterial vaginosis treatment that contains dequalinium chloride, a type of antiseptic that can kill the bacteria that causes BV. Fluomizin is a vaginal tablet, which means you’ll insert it directly into your vagina using an applicator, and the medication works directly at the site of the infection, helping to clear it up quickly. You’ll insert 1 Fluomizin vaginal tablet in the evening before bed, for 6 days.

➤ Find out more about the symptoms of BV before ordering.

Fluomizin contains the active ingredient dequalinium chloride, which is known as an antiseptic. Fluomizin works by attacking the cell walls of the bacteria causing the infection, which prevents them from releasing essential enzymes they need to survive. This kills the bacteria, helping to bring your vagina's natural balance back to normal.

How long does Fluomizin take to work?

Fluomizin starts to work from the first night you take it, but it can take up to 6 days to fully clear the infection. However, relief of symptoms like discharge and swelling is usually reported within 24 to 72 hours.

How effective is Fluomizin?

Fluomizin is 97% effective at curing BV as long as it’s taken correctly for 6 days.

In a study comparing the use of Fluomizin against metronidazole, an antibiotic that can be prescribed for BV, it was reported that:

• 60% of people found Fluomizin caused little to no side effects, compared to 39% of people using metronidazole
• there were fewer side effects reported on Fluomizin

Not only is Fluomizin effective for BV, but it’s a good alternative if you cannot take antibiotics or have had side effects from them before.

You should take 1 Fluomizin vaginal tablet daily for 6 days. You must insert Fluomizin just before bed. To take Fluomizin, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands before opening Fluomizin. Make sure you’ve been to the toilet, as you should not pass urine (pee) just after inserting the tablet.
2. Your medication packet comes with applicators, which you can use to get the tablet in correctly. Make sure you insert the tablet deeply into your vagina, similarly to how you put in a tampon. It helps to lie down with your legs slightly bent while you insert it.
3. Repeat this for 6 days, until you finish your treatment course, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment early is more likely to cause BV to come back.

You should stop treatment if you come on your period and continue afterwards.

While taking Fluomizin, do not:

• put anything else into your vagina, including any other BV or menopause treatments, or vaginal douches or washes
• have sex for at least 12 hours after inserting the tablet, as it may irritate you or your partner, make Fluomizin less effective, and Fluomizin reduces the effectiveness of non-latex condoms so there’s a chance of pregnancy

Fluomizin contains ingredients which do not dissolve completely, so you may find small parts of the tablet in your underwear in the morning. This is normal and will not affect treatment. It’s recommended to wear a sanitary towel or panty liner.

If your vagina is very dry, the vaginal tablet might not dissolve properly and may come out overnight, which would make the treatment less effective. To prevent this, you can moisten the vaginal tablet with a drop of water right before inserting it. If you’re not sure, speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose if it’s still the same evening, otherwise skip it. Do not take a double dose of Fluomizin. Missing doses may make it less effective, so there’s a greater chance of BV coming back.

How long do you need to take Fluomizin for?

You need to take Fluomizin for 6 days. If your symptoms don’t go away, a doctor may recommend another course of treatment. Fluomizin is not meant for long-term use.

You can get Fluomizin prescribed online, through regulated services like Asda Online Doctor. You cannot get it over the counter. NHS services may prescribe Fluomizin in its generic form.

Can I buy Fluomizin online?

Yes, you can get Flomizin and other BV treatments prescribed online from Asda Online Doctor. This means you can order treatment at the first sign of infection, through a simple health questionnaire. Plus, you can get it delivered to your home, or you can collect it from your nearest Asda Pharmacy as quickly as the same day if you order before 1pm.

To get Fluomizin with us:

1. Complete a 5-minute health questionnaire, which will ask about your symptoms and a few other questions to make sure BV treatment is safe for you.
2. Log in to your account, or create one, and provide payment details.
3. One of our doctors will review your answers and prescribe Fluomizin if suitable. They may also offer an alternative if Fluomizin is not right for you.
4. Your order will be delivered to your home address, or you can get it from a local Asda Pharmacy if you choose our Click & Collect option.

Can I buy Fluomizin over the counter?

No, you cannot get Fluomizin over the counter, as it’s a prescription-only medication. There are no effective over-the-counter treatments for BV, so it’s important to get prescription-only treatment approved by a doctor so you can clear your infection.

Can I get Fluomizin on the NHS?

Yes, you can get BV treatment from your GP or at a sexual health clinic. However, you’re more likely to get a generic (unbranded) version, but this is still the same medication and works in the same way.

As Fluomizin is a vaginal tablet, most side effects happen at the site of insertion.

Common side effects of Fluomizin (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• vaginal discharge, itching, or burning
• vaginal yeast infection (thrush)

Uncommon side effects of Fluomizin (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• vaginal bleeding
• vaginal pain
• swelling of the vagina (vaginitis) and vulva
• BV
• fungal skin infections
• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)

Other side effects of Fluomizin have been reported, but not enough to be able to label them as common or uncommon. Other side effects of Fluomizin may include:

• fever
• an allergic reaction with symptoms like rash, swelling, or itching
• cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
• vaginal dryness or redness
• bleeding from the urethra (the hole where urine comes out)
• ulcers inside the vagina, if the skin was already damaged before treatment

In very rare cases, Fluomizin may cause a serious allergic reaction. Call 999 or get to A&E if you get the following symptoms:

• breathing difficulties
• swelling in the face and throat
• rash
• dizziness or fainting
• collapse

A full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

How long do Fluomizin side effects last?

As your vagina is already irritated from BV, it’s more likely you will get side effects at the start of treatment, but you should continue unless symptoms are severe.

What to do if you get Fluomizin side effects

If you get Fluomizin side effects and they are mild, see if they pass on their own. You might get itching or burning as the tablet dissolves, but this should get better within a few hours of taking it, if not sooner.

If you get symptoms of another infection like thrush, or your side effects are severe, speak to your doctor straight away. If you get intense side effects that you cannot manage, or a mild to moderate allergic reaction in the area, try to push the tablet out and rinse the vagina with water before speaking to a doctor or calling 111.

You can also take over-the-counter painkillers to help with vaginal pain and headaches.

Although Flumozin is an effective BV treatment, there are some cases where it may not be suitable.

Do not use Fluomizin if you:

• are allergic to the active ingredient dequalinium chloride or any of the other ingredients
• have ulcers on your vagina or cervix
• have never had a period
• are under 18 or over 55

Fluomizin is usually safe to be used during pregnancy, but it must be stopped at least 12 hours before giving birth. It can also be used while breastfeeding. However, your doctor will let you know if Fluomizin is suitable for you based on your and your baby's health.

Fluomizin and other medications

Fluomizin is not recommended to be used with other treatments inserted into your vagina. Let your doctor know if you take any other vaginal tablets, creams, or herbal treatments before using Fluomizin, as well as any other medications.

Fluomizin is not the only treatment for BV. Other BV treatments available at Asda Online Doctor include:

• metronidazole, a generic oral antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of the bacteria and is taken as a 400mg tablet twice a day for 7 days, during or after a meal, or as a one-off 2g dose
• Zidoval, a metronidazole vaginal gel that comes in a dose of 5g of gel a night for 5 nights, and comes with an applicator to insert
• Dalacin cream, an antibiotic cream containing 2% clindamycin that is usually recommended if metronidazole is not suitable for you, and is inserted into the vagina using an applicator every night for 7 nights in a row

Fluomizin and oral metronidazole are just as effective at 97%, but metronidazole vaginal gel is slightly less effective than Fluomizin, with cure rates of 87 to 91%. However, a 1-week course of oral metronidazole is still considered the gold standard treatment for BV. Studies comparing Fluomizin with metronidazole found that Fluomizin is better tolerated, with fewer side effects reported and fewer people stopping treatment.

If you’ve had side effects from antibiotics or they are not suitable for you, Fluomizin is an effective alternative BV treatment.

Is Fluomizin an antibiotic?

No, Fluomizin is an antiseptic, which is very similar to an antibiotic as it kills the bacteria that causes the infection. The main difference is that Fluomizin can cause fewer side effects than antibiotics.

Does Fluomizin kill good bacteria in the vagina?

Fluomizin is designed to act on ‘bad bacteria’, such as the bacteria that cause BV. This means it does not target ‘good’ bacteria and instead helps restore your natural balance.

How long does it take for Fluomizin to dissolve?

Fluomizin should start to dissolve within a couple of minutes. In some cases, it can take a couple of hours. It’s normal for the whole tablet not to fully dissolve, so you may find a few small bits in your underwear the next morning.

Can I use Fluomizin while on my period?

No, Fluomizin is not recommended while on your period. You must stop treatment and continue after your period is finished. Alternatively, an oral tablet like metronidazole might be better if you’ve just started your period, so you do not have to wait for treatment.

Can I have sex while using Fluomizin?

You should not have sex for 12 hours after using Fluomizin. While you can have sex if you have BV, it’s better to wait until the infection has cleared up and you’ve finished treatment. Sex can spread the infection to your partner, can make your symptoms worse, and your partner may pass BV back to you even with successful treatment.

Is Fluomizin safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. Usually, Flumozin is safe to use during pregnancy. However, if you have vaginal symptoms during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your midwife or GP, who will take your medical history and the health of your baby into account before prescribing.

Do I need to finish the full 6-day course even if symptoms disappear?

Yes, it’s very important that you finish the full 6-day course of Fluomizin even if symptoms disappear. Not finishing treatment can cause BV to come back.

What should I do if the infection comes back after treatment?

Speak to your doctor if the infection comes back after treatment. Some people are more prone to recurrent BV, which is BV that comes back often. You may need a longer treatment course or a different medication.