• Confidential assessment
  • Reviewed by doctors
  • Same-day collection from your local pharmacy

Product features

  • Works immediately, easing pain and discomfort

  • Can be used at the same time as other treatments for genital herpes

  • Apply directly to skin from an easy-to-use tube

What is Instillagel?

Instillagel is an effective anaesthetic gel for reducing the irritation, discomfort and pain caused by herpes outbreaks. The gel can be used at the same time as other treatments for genital herpes.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes painful flare-ups of blisters around the genitals. While it can’t be cured, you can manage the symptoms of your herpes outbreaks with treatments like Instillagel.

How does it work?

Instillagel, is a local anaesthetic, meaning the gel numbs the area you apply it to. This eases pain and discomfort. The active ingredient in Instillagel is lidocaine hydrochloride 5%. It works as soon as you apply the gel and numbs the area for up to 4 hours.

How to use herpes gel

To use Instillagel as a local anaesthetic for genital herpes:

  1. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly.
  2. Apply the gel directly to affected areas as needed.
  3. Always wash your hands afterwards. 

Treatment results

Instillagel will immediately start to ease pain and irritation in the areas you’ve applied it to with its numbing action.

Instillagel won’t affect the length of a herpes outbreak or how severe it is. Used on its own, or alongside other treatments, the gel helps make flare-ups more manageable.

Side effects of herpes gel (Instillagel)

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Instillagel. These can include:

  • An allergic rash or skin irritation in the area treated.
  • A more serious allergic reaction that could cause difficulty with breathing or dizziness.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Changes in heart rate.
  • Fits. 

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Instillagel patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

Medication

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A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment

Prescription delivery

Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy

Instillagel herpes gel FAQs

  • Who should not use Instillagel herpes gel?

    Don’t use Instillagel if:

    • You’re allergic (hypersensitive) to lidocaine, chlorhexidine, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
    • The moist lining (mucous membrane) of the area you’re going to treat (mouth, bladder, urethra, vagina, colon or rectum) is damaged or bleeding. 

  • How often should I apply Instillagel?

    Your clinician can tell you how often you can apply Instillagel. It will depend on the dosage and which areas you’re applying it to. It’s important to use the medication as directed.

  • How can I prevent genital herpes?

    You can help reduce the risk of giving your partner herpes by taking the right treatment and using condoms. Note that condoms are a lot more effective at preventing male to female infections than female to male ones

  • Where can I buy Instillagel herpes gel?

    You can’t get Instillagel over the counter. You’ll need a prescription to buy it, even if you’re using an online service.

    One of our clinicians can prescribe it after an online consultation where you confirm you’ve tested positive for genital herpes.

  • Can I buy Instillagel herpes gel online?

    Our clinicians can prescribe Instillagel online, once they’ve made sure it’s right for you. First, you’ll need to answer a few simple questions, during a totally confidential online consultation.

  • Taking other medicines when using Instillagel herpes gel

    You should be able to use Instillagel alongside other medications. So, our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicine and any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.

  • Can I have sex during treatment?

    Yes, you can have sex while you’re using Instillagel.

    Will it have any effect on condoms?

    Instillagel shouldn’t affect condoms.

  • Alternative treatments for genital herpes

    Our clinicians can prescribe aciclovir oral antiviral tablets to take alongside Instillagel. These can help reduce the length of genital herpes outbreaks and their severity.

    If you have 6 or more genital herpes outbreaks in a year, the best treatment for you may be herpes suppression therapy. Our clinicians can prescribe it for you online or you could speak to your GP.

  • Does genital herpes come back after treatment?

    While you can’t cure genital herpes, it can be managed with medications like Instillagel and aciclovir as and when symptoms flare up.

  • References

    https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/bebdu3g0/long-term-use-of-anti-viral-drugs-for-recurrent-herpes_gps_jul23.pdf  

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Delivery and collection information

  • Standard delivery (Free)

    Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.

  • Next day delivery (£4.95)

    Mainland UK

    • Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
    • Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
    • Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.

    Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:

    • Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.

  • Click and Collect (Free)

    If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.

    We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.