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If you’re experiencing thick discharge and genital itching or burning, there’s a chance you could have a vaginal yeast infection. This type of infection is very common, affecting 3 out of 4 people with internal reproductive organs at some point during their lives. But common or not, you probably want to know how to get rid of it. There are several different yeast infection medicines to choose from — some are available over-the-counter (OTC) and others require a prescription. But which one is most likely to work best for you? Here, we’ll discuss the various available yeast infection medicines on the market and how they compare to one another. What causes a yeast infection?Yeast infection medicines are used to treat genital yeast infections, which are most often caused by Candida albicans, a type of yeast (fungus) that’s naturally found in the vagina of most people assigned female at birth. It’s also naturally found on the skin and in other parts of the body. However, an overgrowth of Candida can lead to a common fungal infection called a vaginal yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis. While the exact cause of a yeast infection can be different for each infection you experience, there are certain health conditions and medications that can raise your risk of this happening. The following people may have a higher risk of developing a yeast infection:
Telltale signs of a yeast infection may include the following:
Given how unpleasant these symptoms can be, it’s no surprise that people want to get the best possible yeast infection medicine. Below, we’ll compare popular yeast infection medicines, including prescription and OTC options. Monistat and other OTC yeast infection medicinesTopical yeast infection medicines — called azole antifungals — are available both OTC and with a prescription. Most OTC options contain one of the following medications:
Monistat (miconazole) is a popular brand of OTC yeast infection products, which comes in different strengths and forms. These include:
Which form of yeast infection medicine you choose should be based on what you find more comfortable to use, as suppositories and creams were found to work similarly well in one study. These topical yeast infection medicines are available in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day regimens. If your symptoms are milder, 1- or 3-day versions should be enough to treat it. But if your symptoms are more severe, you may require the 7-day course. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider if you aren’t sure how long you should use topical OTC yeast infection medicines. How much do OTC yeast infection medicines cost? Monistat and other OTC yeast infection medicinesMonistat might not always be the cheapest. Generic alternatives are available that are typically cheaper. Prices for OTC yeast infection medicines can vary, but they’re typically no more than $30. Any OTC yeast infection medicine should work as long as you see miconazole, clotrimazole, or tioconazole as the active ingredient on the label. Diflucan and other prescription medicines for yeast infectionsThe most commonly prescribed oral yeast infection medicine is Diflucan. It’s also available as fluconazole, a more affordable generic version. Fluconazole comes as a single pill that costs as low as $7 out of pocket with a GoodRx coupon. However, many insurance plans also cover the medication. It’s thought to be similarly effective to the OTC creams mentioned above. But, because the creams can get messy, some people prefer an antifungal pill. BrexafemmeThe newest prescription yeast infection medicine available is Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp). This oral pill works differently than other yeast infection medicines, making it an option if you are prone to yeast infections or have had a hard time treating yeast infections in the past. In studies, Brexafemme was found to be similarly effective to fluconazole (Diflucan). A course of Brexafemme consists of four tablets — you take two tablets 12 hours apart from each other. So within 24 hours, you’re done with your prescription. However, since it’s only available as a brand-name medication at this time, it’s far more expensive than other yeast infection medicines (about $500 at most pharmacies). Prescription yeast infection creams and suppositoriesThere are some antifungal creams you can get with a prescription, but they are more expensive ($20 to $120) and not as popular. These can include:
While some may claim these prescription creams are stronger or work better, studies and guidelines have shown this isn’t always true. Current research suggests that topical yeast infection medicines — both OTC and prescription — work similarly well. However, it’s possible that a prescription yeast infection medicine may cost less with insurance than the retail price for an OTC cream (OTC medicines typically aren’t covered by most insurance plans). Which yeast infection medicine is better: Monistat or Diflucan?While it can be tempting to go to the pharmacy and pick up an OTC yeast infection medicine right away, this may not be the best idea. Yeast infection symptoms can be similar to urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms for some people, and yeast infection medicine won’t treat a UTI. It’s best to contact your healthcare provider before treating symptoms on your own. Depending on your medical and medication history, your healthcare provider may ask you which yeast infection medicine you would prefer to use, since fluconazole (Diflucan) and Monistat work similarly well. If your provider allows you to choose between these options, you should consider what you’re more comfortable using. Here are some questions to consider with your healthcare provider so you can decide which yeast infection medicine is best for you:
Why does my yeast infection medicine burn?The last thing to consider are potential side effects. Side effects can vary between yeast infection medicines, depending on which form you’re using (cream or oral pill). The most common side effects of Monistat are:
Because you apply Monistat directly where the yeast infection is happening, skin and genital irritation can occur. This is expected and should go away once you’re done using the medicine. The side effects of fluconazole (Diflucan) are different. People taking fluconazole (Diflucan) for yeast infections most commonly experience:
Yeast infections medicines are generally well-tolerated. But just as with other medicines, an allergic reaction is possible. Stop using your yeast infection medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:
How long do yeast infection medicines like Monistat and Diflucan take to work?If it’s a yeast infection, the yeast infection medicines we’ve covered — like OTC creams and fluconazole (Diflucan) — work more than 90% of the time. You should feel relief within 5 to 7 days of your first dose, but you may get relief faster if your infection is on the milder side. If your symptoms don’t resolve with yeast infection medicine after a week, you should contact your healthcare provider. They may need to do additional testing to determine what strain of yeast is causing your infection and what medicine would best treat it. What about using non-antifungal medicines for yeast infections?There are many OTC products (such as Vagisil or Summer’s Eve) targeted toward vaginal issues, like itchiness and irritation. It’s important to read the labels carefully. Many wipes, ointments, and gels may only help you get temporary relief but won’t actually treat the infection itself. Experts recommend avoiding natural remedies and other non-antifungal products for yeast infections, with one notable exception. For people who experience frequent or hard-to-treat yeast infections, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe boric acid if all other yeast infection medicines have failed. This product would need to be made by a compounding pharmacy — it’s not recommended to try it on your own. The bottom lineYeast infection medicines — like OTC creams and prescription pills — are effective for yeast infections. Some people prefer the pills because they are less messy than the creams. However, the pills require a prescription. Either way, it’s best to stay clear of natural remedies, which won’t actually treat the yeast infection. Was this page helpful?Subscribe and save.Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. Can I treat my yeast infection overAntifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter and others by prescription only.
How do I stop a yeast infection without going to the doctor?Home remedies. Over-the-counter treatments. Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased over the counter to treat yeast infections. ... . Boric acid. ... . Tea tree oil. ... . Probiotic supplements. ... . Natural yogurt. ... . Coconut oil. ... . Garlic. ... . Oil of oregano.. What can I take to get rid of a yeast infection fast?What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection? The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.
Can I get rid of a yeast infection myself?If you're sure you have a yeast infection based on a past episode, you could try an over-the-counter medication to treat your symptoms. These products are usually creams, dissolvable tablets, or suppositories (oval-shaped doses of the medication) that you put into your vagina.
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