Why is this procedure done?
Your doctor has ordered a drug for you that is best given in your vagina. Your vagina is the same as your birth canal. There are a lot of blood vessels in your vagina. This makes the drug absorb well here. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your vagina will absorb the suppository, cream, or tablet for your body to use. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- The best time of day to use a suppository is before you go to bed.
- Make sure you have all of the items that you will need. Place the items on a clean surface nearby.
- Suppository, cream, or tablet
- Applicator
- Water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly
- A tissue or cloth
- Check the drug.
- Read the label to make sure that you have the right drug.
- Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug against what the doctor ordered.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use a suppository if it is out of date.
- Fill the applicator.
- Some drugs come in a prefilled applicator.
- For others, use must fill the applicator with the cream. You may need to unwrap the suppository or tablet and put it in the end of the applicator.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before you start. You should wash and dry your vaginal area very well.
What happens during the procedure?
- Find a comfortable position.
- You may want stand with one foot on a stool or the tub.
- You may choose to lie on your back with your knees bent and your legs slightly apart.
- Use a small amount of water-based jelly like KY Jelly to the applicator.
- For creams or ointments:
- Attach the applicator to the end of the tube.
- Squeeze the ordered amount of cream or ointment into the applicator.
- For tablets or suppositories:
- Put the tablet or suppository on the end of the applicator.
- Put the applicator into your vagina and push the plunger until it stops.
- Take the applicator out of your vagina.
- You may want to lie down to allow time for the drug to dissolve and absorb.
What happens after the procedure?
- Wash the applicator if it is reusable. The applicator may come in 2 parts. Use warm soapy water.
- Wash your hands to remove any drug that may be on your skin.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Mild itching
- Vaginal drainage
When do I need to call the doctor?
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse ‚
Helpful tips
- If the suppository is soft, try placing it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. You may also run cold water over the suppository while it is still in the wrapper.
- You may want to use a small amount of a water-based lubricant like KY Jelly to make putting the suppository in easier. You can also get the tip of the suppository wet with a few drops of cool water.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/How-to-Use-Vaginal-Tablets-Suppositories-and-Creams ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚