OTC Product Roundup: Women's Health

For yeast infections: Monistat 1 Combination Pack

Miconazole nitrate 1200 mg (vaginal insert); miconazole nitrate 2% (external cream)

Monistat 1 is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, as well as the associated external irritation and itching, by stopping the growth of infection-causing yeast. The medication should be used for the entire length of treatment—even if symptoms stop or if the patient’s menstrual period begins. Potential adverse effects include headache, vaginal and urethral burning, itching, pain, and lower abdominal cramps.

Counseling Pearls

• Patients should not use Monistat if they have never had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a health care provider.
• Monistat only works for vaginal yeast infections—not other infections like bacterial vaginosis.
• Refer patients who are experiencing symptoms including chills, fever, abdominal pain, or bad-smelling vaginal discharge to a health care provider; these may be signs of a more serious infection.