Instillagel - Herpes Treatment
What is Instillagel?
Instillagel is an anaesthetic gel used to reduce pain if you suffer a herpes outbreak. As there is no known cure for herpes, painful flare-ups and outbreaks of sores and blisters can reoccur for the rest of your life. Instillagel, once applied to these blisters, can be used to reduce pain and irritation. Instilagel can be used alongside treatments like Aciclovir to limit outbreaks and discomfort.
While not currently licensed for the treatment of herpes in the UK, it is widely used to do so.
How does Instillagel work?
Gels like Instillagel work by numbing the area they have been applied to (i.e. herpes sores and blisters). This should lessen the amount of pain and discomfort you feel in the affected area.
How do I use Instillagel?
Using Instillagel is a quick and simple process. Make sure you’ve washed and dried the area where the outbreak is occurring, then apply the gel. That’s it - though give your hands a wash afterwards.
Does Instillagel work? How effective is it?
You should start feeling the anaesthetic effect of Instillagel after around 5 minutes.
Bear in mind that even though Instillagel can provide relief, it won’t affect when or how painful a herpes outbreak is going to be. That can be provided by treatments like Aciclovir.
Does Instillagel have side effects?
Like most treatments, you may experience side effects while using Instillagel. These side effects can include:
Allergic reaction
Low blood pressure
Change in heart rate
Fits
If you would like more information on side effects make sure to read the patient information leaflet. If you are concerned about side effects, get in touch with your GP or message us via your account.
Frequently asked questions
You should avoid Instillagel if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients, in particular the active ingredient lidocaine hydrochloride 5%. Please let us know in your consultation if:
You have heart problems
You have liver problems
You are epileptic
This will help us make sure that Instillagel is an appropriate treatment.
Once your consultation has been completed our clinicians will let you know how often you can apply Instillagel. Make sure that you use the treatment as directed.
It should be fine to apply Instillagel if you are taking other treatments.
When you complete your initial consultation, make sure you let us know all treatments, medications and drugs (recreational or otherwise) you are taking so we can make sure your treatment is safe and appropriate.
Treatments like Aciclovir can reduce the amount or severity of further herpes outbreaks.
Your doctor can also recommend herpes suppression therapy if you are having a significant number of outbreaks (i.e. six or more a year).
