Bank Holiday delivery & collection

Our pharmacies are very busy at the moment, so we recommend choosing delivery at checkout. Get more info on Bank Holiday delivery and collection here.  

On this page

    Herpes gel - Instillagel

    On this page

    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.

    Find the right STI treatment for you
    View treatment
    Close
    LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

    This service operates in the United Kingdom only

    Close
    LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

    This service operates in the United Kingdom only

    Visit IE Online Doctor Continue with UK service
    Close
    LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

    This service operates in the Republic of Ireland only

    Continue with Irish Service Continue with UK Service