Product features
Works immediately to ease pain and discomfort
Apply directly to the affected area as needed
Comes in convenient easy-to-use tube
What is Instillagel?
Instillagel is an effective anaesthetic herpes gel. It helps to reduce the pain caused by a herpes outbreak. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful blisters around the genitals. Genital herpes can’t be cured, however symptoms flare-up into an outbreak. Instillagel can be used alongside other genital herpes treatments to ease pain, discomfort and irritation.
How does Instillagel work?
Instillagel, is a local anaesthetic gel. It numbs the area its applied to reducing pain and discomfort. Its active ingredient is lidocaine hydrochloride 5%, which works as soon as its applied. The numbing effects can last up to 4 hours.
How to use Instillagel as a local anaesthetic gel for herpes
- Wash and dry the affected area.
- Apply the gel as needed to the affected area.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
How effective is Instillagel?
Instillagel works immediately to ease pain, irritation and numb parts of the body its applied to.
Instillagel does not affect the duration or severity of a herpes outbreak. When used on its own or with other treatments it can help make flare-ups more managable.
Side effects of Instillagel
Some people might experience an allergic rash or local skin irritation when using the gel. Other possible side effects include:
- Serious allergic reaction
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in heart rate
- Fits
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your account.
How our STI treatment service works
Complete our simple, confidential online consultation
5 mins
One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email
About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)
Choose delivery or collection
Next day delivery
Same-day pharmacy collection
Collect in your local ParcelShop
Herpes gel - Instillagel FAQs
-
When shouldn't you use Instillagel?
You shouldn’t use Instillagel if:
- You’re allergic to any of the ingredients
Make sure to list any health conditions such as heart or liver problems, or medications you use during your online consultation. Our clinicians will make sure Instillagel is safe for you.
-
How often can I apply Instillagel?
How often you can apply Instillagel depends on the dosage and the areas you’re applying it to. Your clinician will let you know how often you can apply Instillagel. You should always use the treatment as directed.
-
Important information about Instillagel
This medicine is not currently licensed for the treatment of herpes in the UK. However, this doesn't mean that it is unsafe as it has been widely used for this purpose.
-
Can you take other medicines whilst using Instillagel?
You should be able to use Instillagel alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Instillagel safely.
-
Alternative treatments for genital herpes
We can prescribe Aciclovir oral antiviral tablets in combination with Instillagel. These can reduce the severity and duration of a genital herpes outbreak.
If you have six or more genital herpes outbreaks a year, your doctor may also recommend herpes suppression therapy, available from this website.
Delivery and collection information
-
Same-day collection (Free)
- Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect the same day in pharmacies nationwide.
- Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected pharmacy.
-
Standard delivery (Free)
- Delivered within 5-7 working days.
-
Next-day delivery (£4.95)
- Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days.
- Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.
-
Standard ParcelShop collection (Free)
- Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.
-
Next day ParcelShop collection (£2.95)
- Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday.
- Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday, or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm.
