Horrible reaction to Monistat

[robynf]

I recently had a yeast infection and since I'd had them before and instantly knew what it was, I decided to try Monistat 3 day instead of making a trip to the doctor for the Diflucan, which is what I had done in the past. While I was using it I noticed that over the 3 day period it was getting harder for me to fit the application in and by day 3 I had completely swollen and it felt like it was on fire! The yeast infection is gone now, but I am still swollen and still have slight burning every now and then, not so much painful as it is annoying, and it has been 5 days since I used this product! It's going down a bit, but it seems to be taking its time..anyone know how I might be able to speed the healing process?? Next time I'll just get the Diflucan and avoid all of this!

[puggles]

I will make a long story short but after being treated w/ IV antibiotics. I was trying to treat myself with the one day treatment.  I was burning to death and thought it was still my uti.. I actually retreated with another one day.  By the time I reached my doc I hurt soooo bad(I can take pain too). . Im not a doc but I've heard that they put tons of Chems in it to try to kill the yeast in this uber one day dose, which is why it causes most  of us actual burns. I'm so mad that they still have it on the market.

[poogirl]

I tried the cvs brand the 1 day and the burning was easing up until I inserted that cream and I got an instant burning sensation that might have been worse than before I inserted it. I wasn't sure if that was normal it not but good to know I'm not the only one had a problem with this.

[MsBoop]

   OH MY GOSH!!  THIS HAPPENED TO ME TOO!!  I wish that I had found this site sooner!! My obgyn had prescribed me Monistat 7 day cream when I was pregnant and it seemed to work fine.  Then a couple of weeks later, I thought I was getting a yeast infection again so I decided to use some of the remaining cream that was leftover, onto the skin outside of my vagina.  I immediately started feeling burning and extreme itching.  At first, I thought that I had an extreme yeast infection and maybe something worse.  The pain was so crippling that I had to get up and go do some research on the internet about what causes yeast infections and their symptoms.  I didn't even consider it was the medicine! It was the middle of the night so my husband had woken up and told me to wash it off with a washcloth.  I did and the pain subsided.  I decided that I would go to the store the next day instead of to the dr. because It would be cheaper.  My mom told me to get Gynelotrimin but they did not have it at Wal-mart.  So I decided on Monistat 1, thinking that the yeast infection was so bad that I needed something stronger.  I also purchased a Vagisil screening test to check my PH levels.  The test came up that I may or may not have a yeast infection but nothing worse than that. That night I inserted the "Express Release Ovule Insert" at about 11 pm.  At about 2:15 am I awoke with severe itching and burning.  I went to the bathroom to urinate and I noticed the Ovule fell into the toilet.  The burning and itching was so bad that I couldn't sleep and decided to get into the shower and use the removable shower head to put into my vagina area to try and remove the rest of the ovule insert.  I had never experienced this type of pain before and the hot water helped to calm the effects of the Monistat 1.  I woke up this morning with still some mild burning inside my vaginal wall.  I am going to urgent care as soon as my husband gets home.  
  I have called the number on the box and made a formal complaint and they are going to refund me with both combination packages.  I am very interested in a class action lawsuit and I let them know that.  They didn't seem to care too much but if anyone is willing to get this started I am willing to be a participant.  I cannot believe, as some of you have already stated, that these products have not been removed from the shelves.  When there is a toy or a food out there that is causing this many problems to humans health they are immedialtey removed!  There must be something that we can do!!

[healthseeker504]

DO NOT TAKE MONISTAT 1!!!!!!!! I am so glad to have found this forum, albeit too late, but still it means I am not the only one that has suffered from this crap. Wish I had read this forum before I had bought it. Especially without consulting a doctor first. I don't understand how this "medicine" can be an over the counter and how it is FDA approved. There are so many posts on here with complaints of women having allergic reactions and other horrible results. It needs to be prescribed under the supervision of a doctor, not carelessly sold to unsuspecting consumers who are in need of something to sooth their pain. I always make sure to read the warnings before starting a new medication, and it did say there might be a mild discomfort and itching for a couple of days... but this is SEVERE!!! I took the generic brand from Walgreens, after 2 hours my vagina was on fire!!! I couldn't lay down, I couldn't walk, I had to sit over the toilet with a cold tissue pressed up against it. I've slept for 4 hours after taking an ibuprofen but woke up again with the same intense burning pain sensation. Seeing that the pain wasn't lessening as my day went on I had to make an appointment for the doctor. For all you ladies who don't have insurance and want to see a doctor, go to PLANNED PARENTHOOD. It's much cheaper than any other regular gyno. I am so scared that this crap has caused major issues with my vagina from now on (from all the horror stories I read in this forum). I rather have the itch from the stupid yeast infection than suffer from this god forsaken "medicine". Please ladies, let me know if anyone does actually file a class action suit for allowing this poison to be sold over the counter, it needs to be banned!!!!!!

[keke80]

I used monistat1 before and i was fine but last night after a fail attempt with plain yogurt I bought this product and  my vaginal lips are swollen and burning. the thick discharge look really nasty this is my second day of pain and my pain got worse when I used the external cream. W|hat should I do ? I cannot afford insurance to go to the doctor please help me with some advice....

[amy382]

this medicine is ridiculous.....i just want the burning to go away....i rinsed out my vagina and got the medicine out but the burning is still unbelievable....stupid 1 day medicine....never did i think that i would have had this reaction. my yeast infection was almost gone and i thought i would boost it faster by getting the one day treatment this morning...an hour ago i thought my insides were going to spontaneously combust from the severe pain itching and extreme burning....this is great...just great

[CassieM1216]

We need to start organizing better to get this product removed! Or at the very very least a prominent warning letting women know what to do if those specific symptoms arise and the high probability that they will. Women in pain should be told on the box what to do for immediate relief before going to their doctor when the company knows the severe adverse reactions that are occurring to their product! I just used the 1 day ovule by monistat and had severe intolerable burning after 30-60 mins. I also searched on here to find what to do and in lieu of a douche, cause I have never before had to use one, cleaned it out maunally. The burning is less severe now and more a dull, throbbing, heated internal pain. I usually take the pill for YI but it is a weekend and I figured I would take the medicine instead, but that was a sorry sorry mistake. The side-effects don't even list these ones. How this product made it past Tier III trials when so many women are severely affected is beyond me, I think inaccurate trials were done here because these are NOT acceptable side effects.

IF YOU ARE READING AND AGREEING WITH THIS THREAD PLEASE!!!
Take a moment to complain to the FDA and urge you female friends to also, or anyone in general.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

Also I would like to start a facebook group to help spread awareness and perhaps get the FDA's attention. If we cannot remove the product completely perhaps we can at least get it to be a behind the counter product where a Pharmacist can warn patients to the risks in a better fashion. Please like and spread the word!
http://www.************/pages/Monistat-or-Miconazole-nitrate-can-cause-Severe-Reactions/178867422222410?skip_nax_wizard=true

[toridani]

Monistat 1 did HORRIBLE things to my vagina!!!! Inside the itching and burning was so intense that i cried, and outside, my labia were swollen to the size of testicles! They were dangling just like "balls," with the delicate skin oozing with puss, cracked, and bleeding. I couldnt go to my college classes for 2 days because it hurt to walk, and barely made it to the hospital. They gave me a douche of some sort, and a shot of anti-inflammatory something, and Diflucan.

[fenny1]

How long did it take for your symptoms to go away?

[talitwotoes]

I have had a recurring yeast infection for the past 5 months. I tried at home remedies for the first one. The relief took a while to come, but it worked. The second time around, I saw a doctor because I was concerned that they were coming so close together and I was put on the generic version of Canesten for a 7 day treatment. Aside from the annoyance of leaking cream all the time, it was a painless and effective experience.
This time around, for the sake of convenience, and quite frankly, impatience, I chose the generic Monistat 3 day treatment. This was the absolute worst decision I ever made. The first night, the ovule inserted easily. I noticed some serious burning when the capsule began to leak. It burned my labia and as it leaked toward my anus, that started to burn to. I, like many others assumed this was normal. Day 2, my period arrived, but desperate to be rid of the infection, I inserted the ovule anyway. The pain was more intense than anything I'd ever felt (losing my virginity and a split shin hurt less than this). But I stuck it out because I wanted it to end. Day 3 was more of the same. It is now a week since I finished the treatment and 3 days since the end of my menstrual cycle.
The horrific burning has stopped but I have an unbearable itchy irritation. There absolutely no sign of yeast infection. The skin does not look irritated,  nor is there any pain, just this uncomfortable itch. I know this is because of the Monistat and I am absolutely miserable. But more than anything, I am appalled that this continues to be marketed to innocent unsuspecting women and the company producing it doesn't seem to care. We need to cause an uproar. This is not OK in the least. Johnson and Johnson and any other company that puts Micronazole on the shelves will be hearing from me. Don't be silent. We have to complain.

[rayray48]

Thank you guys so much for informing me about this!!! I was about to use this (Miconazole 1). After reading all of these I AM NOT GOING TO USE THIS PRODUCT!! What do you think would cure BV? Is BV the same thing? Is it a bad thing if you have BV? I'm really worried, someone help me out. I'm just 18years old, is that normal???

[Sephiri]

I am so glad I found this forum. I used the generic Monistat 1 yesterday and I am in so much pain. I am so swollen and sore. Feels like "it" is bruised. It has even spread back to my rectum. I went to my OBGYN and told her what was going on. I told her to scrap out all the cream that was left. She tried to get out as much as she could. Have only had a little relief. I am so worried that this will have long term effects? Will it ever go away? I am also starting to have mild back pain and diahrea. This product HAS to be taken off the shelf! This is crazy! Hurts to urinate because of all the swelling too. :'( If anyone has symptoms that went away please let me know. All I have read are about the swelling and burning lasting for months!

[Brandib2068]

Please add my name to any class action suit that may exist. Very painful, and now I'm frightened by the risk of long term symptoms. I will never use this product again.

[jay21310]

HERE IS THE SOLUTION!

I currently have a yeast infection and last night I used Monistat-1 around 8 o'clock and sat down to watch a movie with my husband. After the movie I went to pee and I then started to experience the worst burning sensation I have ever felt in my life! It was from the Monistat-1! I could tell that whatever that drug touched inside of me was on fire so obviously the first thing I did was I had my husband Google to see if this was a normal reaction. I saw very soon that it was a common reaction, but that it was not a good reaction. I read a post in a forum from a lady that used it 4 months ago and had this reaction too. SHE IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE BAD REACTION. THIS STUFF DOES PERMANENT DAMAGE IF YOU REACT BADLY TO IT! ANOTHER FORUM SAID THAT 70 PERCENT OF WOMEN HAVE A BAD REACTION TO THE DRUG! Are you experiencing the same problem? Here is what you do:

GET THAT CRAP OUT FROM INSIDE OF YOU! Around midnight I decided that the medicine had to get out of me whether I used a douche or whether I ripped out my insides. I hurt so bad. Where I live, all stores are closed around midnight and the closest place to get a douche was 30 minutes away. That is an hour trip there and back. I either had to make the trip with my husband and cry the whole way there and back from the pain and burning, wait for him to make the trip and cry all alone and be miserable, or make a home remedy. My husband started searching the kitchen for any type of needle-less syringe, or squirting device he could find. Finally, he remembered buying Monistat-7 as well for the paste inside the tubes for his penile yeast infection. He cleaned one of the tubes out and put warm water in it, inserted it all the way into my vagina and squirt it out really fast. Most of the medicine squirt out with the water. He did it a second time and got more out, he did it a third time and nothing more came out, he did it a 4th time just to be sure we got it all and sure enough, nothing more came out. Thankfully, we got it all. I won't lie though, when he squirt the water into my vagina, it hurt like crazy and I started crying even more. That may be because we didn't use a solution of water and vinegar though. Either way, that evil stuff was out of me and within 5 minutes the burning reduced to what it was before I used the medicine. I was able to sleep all night. It was a miracle.

Please, anyone who has this problem, get it out of you. Do not let the medicine sit inside of you and eat you alive. Use whatever you can, just get it out of you. Spread my story and instructions to every female health care forum on the web! I don't want anybody else to go through the pain that I went through and not take care of it!

Best of luck to anyone suffering from Monistat-1.

Jay21310

[Helpmeplease49]

I developed a yeast infection from taking an antibotic and decided to purchase Monistat 1. About two days later I was still itching and burning my vagina is swollen up to two times its normal size. The pain during urniation is so bad I want to cry, scream, throw up and then I feel like I am going to pass out.

Mirerable and feel like I am going to die

[canada819]

Hello ladies, thank you to all who have posted. I have just had a very bizarre experience: I have had a mild/sometimes painful yeast infection for about a week now (this has been a problem in my life for several years now and gynos dont seem to be able to help much- I've taken diflucan twice and this helped lessen the severity of the YIs but they have been reoccuring). Anyways, I am a university student and have an exam tomorrow morning and thought it would be a good idea to take something for the mild/moderate YI so as not to be distracted while taking my midterm. What a horrendous idea, I used a cream-applicator monistat 3 and within 30 seconds of inserting it, felt what everyone else here did: EXTREMELY painful itching/burning sensations, unlike anything I've experienced before! For 1-2 minutes I waited to see if that was part of the initial insertion of the cream or something but it became clear that this was not helping anything whatsoever. Luckily, I have a removable shower head so I managed to 'douche' most or at least some of the cream out of me. Right now it is about 1 hour after initial insertion and I do feel considerably better. I instincitvely inserted a bit of vaseline into my vagina (this might not be the  best solution but it is so far providing temporary relief)..we'll see how things are in the morning (if I manage to sleep properly...). There really does need to be something done about this horrendous product. Good luck, ladies...

[joiseygirl1]

I am in the same position as everyone who posted here. I was on an antibiotic and found myself exhibiting symptoms of a yeast infection. I never used monistat before, but when given the choice of 3 formulations, I chose what I thought would be the quickest and most efficient dosage... Monistat 1. Within a half hour of inserting the ovule the burning and itching was alarming. After another half hour my whole vaginal area was petrifying... Swollen, deep red and covered in red bumps. I cried from the pain and the best way to describe it is as if someone had a blow torch inside me. I sat in a bath with Aveno, took benadryl and gathered on hydrocortisone cream. I agree that d*uching may relieve some discomfort (using that word loosely!),  but I fear it may also push the melted ovule and infection deeper inside me. I cannot close my legs (thank God I'm home alone) and my skin is so raw that its seeping.
If Viagra had a side effect that caused men's genitals to burn and ooze you'd better bet the pharmaceutical company would be working around the clock to correct it. But as a woman's product we are left with an inferior product that can quite possibly lead to severe health issues.
Shame on J&J for stocking shelves with an unsafe product just for the sake of the almighty dollar.
I urge any woman who has experienced adverse reactions to post here... Even if your story is no different than ours, we need to be heard and this alarming issue has to stay in the forefront so that unsuspecting women can possibly read our stories before endangering their health.

[CLO17]

Oh my god I'm on my third day and my vagina has been on fire and everyday worse than the day before I'm laying here trying to take the pain but it's worse than the first two treatments. I have used monostat before and never had this reaction yikes!!!!!!

[lynnhaley]

I am interested in participating in a class action suit.  This medication is awful.  I have used Monistat 7 in the past but bought the three day treatment instead.  The first day wasn't too bad.  I had a hard time sleeping but the pain and itching was not totally unbearable.  This was definitely not the case on the second night.  Immediately after the second dose I was in tears over the extreme pain, burning, and itching.  I toughed it out for about 15 minutes but then jumped out of bed and did everything possible to get myself free of the medication.  Stupid me thought I would try it for the third night.  Immediately I knew I was in trouble and removed what product I could.  I am not sure how this stuff is one the market.  It should be removed ASAP especially with this many complaints.  I am making a doctors appointment first thing in the morning.

[mfowlerhoward0913]

I had the burning/itching reaction to the 1 day monistat early Saturday morning (5/21/11). After reviewing all of these posts early that morning, I decided that something has to be done about this.  I have contacted an attorney, and will be meeting with him this week.  If any of you are interested in pursuing a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson/Monistat please let me know.  I will need your name, address, phone number, and information pertaining to your situation with using this product (when it happened with specific date(s), what product you took, symptoms, etc.)

My email address is ***@****.

[GIWKMD]

I have been on the Monistat (generic brand) for two days and i had the mild itching/burning but when i only had a little left in the tube i had been using i headed to the store for more. I purchased Monistat 7 since i had already had two days of the off brand so i would be administering the same dosage. Last night i went to insert the cream with the applicator and no more than i got it in i started having the intense burning and itching. Much more than the two previous nights. The only way to describe how it felt would be to have a full mound of fire ants crawling and biting me inside and out. I was miserable, swollen and raw. I couldn't sleep. I also noticed blood on the toilet tissue when i wiped and patted myself dry. I did everything in my power to try NOT to scratch so i don't think the blood was from scratching. I ended up icing the area all night for a little relief. I will not be using again! I don't think this was any kind of treatment but mostly torture.

[BonMot]

Hello everyone...I woke up this morn crying and depressed from feeling so sore and raw, burning and itching  on my vaginal area. My husband offered to take me to ER but I don't want anyone touching me "down there".
Started with yeast infection, doctor's office recommended fluconazole-1 pill doze. Still felt itchy and raw after 5 days ...then decided to self-medicate with Walgreen's miconazole...bad mistake. Unbelievable posts here of the excruciating pain that so many have endured and now, me too!  
Just took one antihistamine, constantly dabbing my vagina with cold compress while standing...can't  sit...haven't slept well past week. Last night was day 3 inserting the cream...thought it had to "get worse before getting better"...sure LOL! I feel so stupid.
Am now waiting to call doc. office to report...and then call the company to complain..ha, as if...this blog goes back '3 yrs for crying out loud. Anyone listening??
Thanks for sharing.., my thoughts, heart are 'out there' for all you suffering women!

[connie915967]

It seems like nothing has changed about this product after 3 years of blogging about it.  i only wish i had looked at this website before I used the cream.  Do Not Use Monistat...1, 3, or 7.  Same story as the rest of the ladies here.  The burning is distressing and 1000  times worse than the yeast infection.  This product should be taken from the shelves. There should at least be a warning that the product should first be tested in an area before a person inserts this burning device in their vagina.  Never again.

[CECE6324]

I too had a reaction, but to the mild form, Monistat 7.  I always keep some on hand. I woke up in the middle of the night and took 1 ovule once I realized what was going on., The next day was worse (I kept ice on myself most of the day). I treated one more night and then went to urgent care.  I was diagnosed with a yeast infection and got Diflucan.  However I thought I'll take one more night of Monistate 7 to wipe it out and the next day my vulva were completely swoolen and sore (and itchy).  I iced myself for 4 days and went 2 days without underwear. I researched natural remedies and tried a cup of apple cider vinager in a luke warm bath, I also kept myself on Benadryl constantly.  The swelling went down the next day and continued to subside with Benadryl use (along with a stronger antihistimine at night).  My vulva would still swell slightly with activity.  This happened to me 2 years ago and I ended up in the ER (their urgent care wouldn't treat me). I got an Rx for Hexyl(something) HCL 25mg. It treats the intense itching but puts you to sleep (it is a strong antihistimine).  My Nurse Practitioner thinks I am allergic to Monistat.  I think there should be a class action lawsuit, there are no warnings about an apparently common allergy and negative reaction.  It took 2 horrible reactions for me to figure out it was the Monistat (I think I am allergic to clomotrizole as well).  I am now treating with the apple cider vinager baths and tea tree oil suppositories I bought at a natural foods store. I don't think the Diflucan treated it all.  I am also severely limiting my sugar intake (even fruits) and avoiding all yeast products (bread).  Hope this helps others.

[viclamontgomery]

Holy mother of God.  I was at CVS around 11pm, because I was pretty certain I had a yeast infection based on my symptoms.  My husband and I picked out the Monistat 1 Day/Egg ovule insert, after comparing it to the 3 day.  The 1 day had 1200mg of miconazole (w/e it's called), and the 3 day had 200mg in each one.

I went to bed thinking 'yay, I'm going to feel better in the morning with such a strong dosage!' I woke up about an hour ago (it's 3am now) SCREAMING and itching like crazy, burning from the inside out!!  I must've woken up my entire apartment complex, screaming like the complete opposite of an orgasm.  I can't even believe how much this hurts.  I grabbed some frozen peas, wrapped them in a dish towel and basically humped it (just holding it on my crotch was NOT helping).  I told my husband I might have to go to the e.r., and I'm pretty tough when it comes to pain.  He started running me a hot bath, and while I was bawling my eyes out he found this page- SO glad to know I'm not alone! It's the weekend, so I'm calling Monistat's helpline to throw a fit first thing 8am Monday.  I was reading through the posts, and put some tampons soaked with hot water up there and pulled them out to remove the cream- I already feel a little better.  My husband's running back to CVS to get me a vinegar douche, some yogurt, and some cranberry juice (so my urine won't burn the affected area even more).  Thanks for the advice, ladies..  Johnson and Johnson are some seriously screwed up folks, and need to know what hell they've effectively put us through.  I would rather suffer through a broken leg than this, seriously.  I can't even sleep.  Trust me, I will be raising hell over this crap.