Herpes gel - Instillagel

Using herpes local anaesthetic gel (Instillagel)

Wash and dry the affected area. Apply the gel as needed to the affected area. Wash your hands afterwards

Side effects of Instillagel

Some people might experience an allergic rash or local skin irritation when using the gel.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness of Instillagel

Works immediately to ease pain and irritation. Instillagel does not affect the duration or severity of an outbreak.

How Instillagel for herpes works

Instillagel, is a local anaesthetic gel. Its active ingredient is lidocaine hydrochloride 5%, which numbs the area it's applied to.

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.

Safety: taking other medicines

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

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.