Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common infection that can affect your quality of life. It can cause your toenails to thicken, discolor, and even crumble. If left untreated, it can even cause pain and discomfort.
Efinaconazole, sold under the brand name Jublia, is a topical antifungal medication used to treat toenail fungus.
Currently, you can only get efinaconazole with a prescription. But what about the possibility of buying efinaconazole over the counter? This article explores the potential of efinaconazole over the counter: what it would mean for consumers and what hurdles it would have to overcome.
Understanding efinaconazole
Efinaconazole is the active ingredient in a prescription topical solution used to treat fungal or yeast infections of the toenails.
It’s part of a class of drugs called azole antifungals.
How efinaconazole works
Efinaconazole stops fungus from growing by getting in the way of how the fungus makes ergosterol.
Ergosterol is a key part of the fungus’s cell membrane. Without it, the fungus can’t grow and spread.
Like other topical treatments such as ciclopirox gel, efinaconazole is applied right onto the affected nail and the skin around it. That way, the medicine can work right where the infection is without affecting the rest of your body.
A product containing efinaconazole, Jublia, is only available with a prescription. You can’t get it over the counter.
What to think about before buying efinaconazole over the counter
Before efinaconazole becomes available without a prescription, there are some important things to consider to make sure it’s used safely and effectively.
Safety
Like all medications, efinaconazole has potential side effects. The most common ones are usually mild and happen where you apply the medicine. It’s important to know what these side effects are and how serious they can be.
There are also some precautions and warnings to keep in mind. For example, efinaconazole is flammable, so you need to be careful when using it. Also, if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication, you shouldn’t use it.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any allergies you have before using a new medicine.
How well it works and how to use it right
It’s important to be sure you actually have onychomycosis before using efinaconazole. Sometimes, people think they have a fungal nail infection when it’s really something else. A doctor can properly diagnose the problem.
If you do have onychomycosis, it’s important to understand how long you need to use the medication and how to apply it correctly. Efinaconazole usually needs to be used for 48 weeks, even for kids 6 and up. It’s important to finish the whole treatment, even if your nail starts to look better sooner.
There’s also a risk that people might misuse or overuse efinaconazole. For example, they might use it for other conditions that it’s not meant to treat, or they might use it for longer than recommended.
Patient education and labeling
If efinaconazole becomes available over the counter, it’s important that the instructions on the label are clear and easy to understand. The label should explain exactly how to apply the medication, as well as any warnings and precautions.
The label should also remind people to talk to a doctor if their symptoms get worse or don’t go away. A doctor can help make sure you’re using the medication correctly and that it’s the right treatment for your condition.
What if efinaconazole were available over the counter?
Right now, you need a prescription from a doctor to get efinaconazole. But what if that changed? What if you could just pick it up at the drugstore?
Here are some of the potential pros and cons of an over-the-counter version of efinaconazole.
Benefits
- More accessible and convenient. Some people have a hard time getting to the doctor. If efinaconazole were over the counter, more people could get it.
- Lower healthcare costs. No doctor’s visit means less money out of your pocket.
- More control for patients. You could manage your treatment on your own time and in your own way.
Risks
- Misdiagnosis. It’s possible that you might think you have a fungal infection when you actually have something else.
- Delayed treatment. Fungal infections sometimes point to other health problems, but new treatments like blue light therapy offer alternative solutions. If you skip the doctor, you might miss something important.
- Drug interactions. You need to know what other medications you’re taking so you can avoid dangerous interactions.
- Fungal resistance. Overusing antifungals could lead to drug-resistant infections, which are very difficult to treat.
Rules and requirements
For any medication to be sold over the counter (OTC) in the United States, it has to meet a number of requirements.
FDA approval process
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to determine that it’s safe and effective for people to use without a prescription. That means the FDA needs to see safety and efficacy data.
The FDA also sets requirements for labeling, packaging, and advertising. Clear and accurate labeling is essential so that people can use the medication correctly and safely.
Studies and data
To get efinaconazole approved for over-the-counter use, the manufacturers would need to conduct clinical trials to demonstrate that it’s safe and effective when people self-diagnose and self-treat. They would also need to conduct consumer perception and behavior studies to understand how people use the medication in a real-world setting.
What about other countries?
It’s worth looking at other countries to see if similar antifungal medications are available over the counter. We can learn from their regulations and experiences to inform the discussion in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?
While some people try hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties, its effectiveness is limited. It might help disinfect the area, but it doesn’t typically penetrate the nail deeply enough to eradicate the infection. It’s generally considered a supplemental treatment, not a primary solution.
How much is Jublia at CVS Pharmacy?
The price of Jublia at CVS Pharmacy can vary depending on your insurance coverage and any available discounts. It’s best to contact your local CVS directly and provide your insurance information for an accurate price quote. Prices can also fluctuate, so checking with the pharmacy is always a good idea.
What is the most successful treatment for toenail fungus?
The “most successful” treatment varies from person to person, but oral antifungal medications generally have the highest success rates. However, they also come with potential side effects. Topical treatments like efinaconazole (Jublia) have fewer side effects but may take longer and are less effective for severe infections.
Do you need a prescription for efinaconazole?
Yes, efinaconazole (Jublia) is currently only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. There is no over-the-counter version of efinaconazole available at this time. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
What kills fungus completely?
Completely eradicating toenail fungus can be challenging. Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole, are often the most effective at killing the fungus systemically. However, even with medication, recurrence is possible. Consistent treatment, proper hygiene, and addressing any underlying health conditions can improve the chances of complete eradication.
Key Takeaways
Making efinaconazole available over the counter could make it easier for people to treat toenail fungus, but it could also lead to problems if people use it incorrectly or without understanding the risks.
If efinaconazole becomes available without a prescription, it will be important for consumers to understand how to use it correctly and to be aware of potential side effects. Clear instructions on the product label and easy access to information will be critical.
More research is needed to determine whether it’s safe and effective to sell efinaconazole over the counter. Regulatory agencies will need to carefully review the evidence before making a final decision.