Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is one of those conditions a lot of people have but don’t really talk about. It’s incredibly common, affecting what feels like everyone at some point in their lives. Beyond the cosmetic issues – discolored, thickened nails aren’t exactly ideal – toenail fungus can actually be painful and really impact your quality of life.
So, what can you do about it? There are a lot of treatments out there, and one of the more recent options is tavaborole. Tavaborole 5% topical solution is an antifungal medication that you paint onto the affected toenail. It belongs to a class of drugs called oxaboroles, and it works by basically stopping the fungus from growing.
If you’re considering using tavaborole, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Does it actually work? What are the side effects? What do people who have used it say? This article dives into all of that, exploring how to use tavaborole, what kind of results you might see, and what the research and real-life experiences tell us. Ultimately, we want to give you a clear picture of what to expect with tavaborole before and after treatment.
What is tavaborole, and how does it work?
Tavaborole is a topical antifungal medication prescribed for onychomycosis (toenail fungus). It’s sold under the brand name Kerydin.
How it works
Tavaborole belongs to a class of medications called oxaborole antifungals. It stops fungus from growing by interfering with its ability to produce proteins.
What makes tavaborole different from other topical antifungals is its chemical structure. The structure allows it to penetrate the nail plate better, so it can reach the fungus more effectively.
How to use it
Tavaborole is available as a 5% topical solution that you paint on your toenails.
The recommendation is to apply it to the infected toenail (or toenails) once a day for as long as 48 weeks (almost a year!).
Be sure to completely cover the infected nail with the solution, spreading it all the way to the edges and under the tip of the nail, if possible, or research alternative methods like using boric acid for toenail fungus. Let it dry for two minutes before you put on your socks and shoes.
Because onychomycosis is difficult to eradicate, be patient and consistent with your treatment.
What to Expect During Tavaborole Treatment
If you’re getting ready to start tavaborole for toenail fungus, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
First, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to make sure you really have onychomycosis. A proper diagnosis is critical before you start any treatment.
It’s also important to discuss your medical history and any allergies you have with your doctor before using tavaborole.
Once you have a prescription, remember to clean and dry the affected toenail(s) before applying the medication. Keeping your nails trimmed short can also help you apply the medication more easily.
The Treatment Process
Remember, the key to tavaborole is consistent and diligent application. It’s best to use the medication at the same time each day. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to. Consistency is important.
Treatment with tavaborole can take a long time. The typical duration is up to 48 weeks. Even if you start to see improvements before then, it’s important to stick with the prescribed treatment duration.
Monitoring Progress and Potential Setbacks
While you’re using tavaborole, watch for signs of improvement. You’ll want to see new, healthy nail growth emerging from the cuticle. Also, note whether there’s any reduction in nail thickening or discoloration.
If you don’t see any improvement, or if your condition seems to be getting worse, talk to your doctor, and perhaps consider other options like Medinail Spray. It may be that tavaborole isn’t working for you, and you need to consider alternative treatments.
User reviews and experiences: A mixed bag
When you’re considering a new treatment, it’s always helpful to hear what people who’ve tried it have to say. With tavaborole, user reviews are all over the map.
Positive experiences
Some people who have used tavaborole report seeing dramatic improvements after several months of diligently applying the solution. Some have even seen their nails regrow completely, returning to their normal appearance.
Negative experiences
On the other hand, many users say they saw no improvement, even after using the product exactly as directed for months. Others say that less expensive, over-the-counter products seemed to work better at stopping the fungus in its tracks.
Some users have also reported side effects like:
- Irritation at the application site
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Skin peeling
A few people said they experienced eye irritation or other eye problems.
Factors that affect treatment success
Keep in mind that several factors can play a role in how well tavaborole works for you.
- Severity of the infection. A mild infection may clear up faster than a severe one. More advanced infections may need a longer course of treatment or a different approach.
- Patient compliance. You have to use the medication exactly as prescribed, for as long as prescribed, to get the best results.
- Individual response. People respond to medications differently. What works well for one person may not work at all for another.
Potential side effects, precautions, and interactions
As with any medication, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues surrounding tavaborole.
Side effects
The most common side effects are generally mild and occur at the site where you apply the medication. These can include:
- Irritation
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Skin peeling
More serious side effects are rare, but they can happen. Be on the lookout for allergic reactions or ingrown toenails developing near the treatment area.
Precautions
Tavaborole is flammable, so be very careful when using it. It’s important to remember that the medication can catch fire if it’s near heat or an open flame.
Also, make sure to store the medication safely, away from children and pets. Once you’ve opened the bottle, the medication expires after 3 months. Be sure to properly discard any expired or unused product.
Drug interactions
Before starting tavaborole, it’s essential to tell your doctor and dentist about all the medications and products you’re using, including herbal remedies. This helps them understand any potential risks.
Drug interactions are possible with tavaborole. To avoid problems, don’t start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Your healthcare provider can help you manage your medications safely and effectively.
Cost and alternatives
Tavaborole may be effective, but it can be expensive. The price may be a real obstacle for many people.
Cost considerations
Some tavaborole users have reported high out-of-pocket expenses, such as:
- $80 every other month
- $500 per bottle
- more than $6,000 per year (after a coupon expires)
Insurance coverage for tavaborole can vary, and even with insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses may be high. Be sure to check with your insurance company before starting tavaborole so you know what to expect.
Alternative treatments
If tavaborole is too expensive, there are other treatments for toenail fungus. These include topical solutions like Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream, and other options:
- other topical medications
- oral medications, such as terbinafine and fluconazole (These medications can have side effects.)
- laser treatments (These can be expensive and may not work for everyone. For example, some people have paid $1,000 per laser treatment and seen no results.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of tavaborole?
Clinical trials show tavaborole has a varying success rate, generally resulting in complete cure (0% fungus) in a percentage of patients. However, it’s crucial to remember individual results can vary depending on the severity of the infection, adherence to the treatment plan, and other individual factors. Talking to your doctor about your specific case is always the best bet.
Can you use tavaborole twice a day?
No, tavaborole is typically prescribed for once-daily application. Using it more frequently than recommended won’t necessarily speed up the healing process and could potentially increase the risk of side effects or irritation. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and the directions on the medication label.
How long does it take for tavaborole to work?
Tavaborole requires consistent use over a significant period. It can take several months (often around 48 weeks) to see noticeable improvement, and full results may not be apparent until the nail has fully grown out. Patience and adherence to the treatment schedule are key.
Does tavaborole work on toenail fungus?
Yes, tavaborole is specifically formulated to treat onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the toenails. It works by penetrating the nail plate to reach and kill the fungus causing the infection. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Putting It All Together
Tavaborole (Kerydin) is a prescription antifungal you put on your toenails to treat onychomycosis. User experiences are mixed; some people see great results, and others see little or no change. You have to apply it every day for up to a year to see if it works for you.
If you think tavaborole might be right for you, talk to your doctor. They can look at your specific situation and give you personalized advice about whether or not tavaborole is a good choice for you, and they can monitor you as you use it.
It’s important to go into the treatment with realistic expectations. It can take a long time to see results, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Be aware of the possible side effects, and remember that tavaborole is an expensive medication. Make sure you consider all of these things before you start treatment.