Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that’s notoriously difficult to treat. If you’ve been dealing with it, you know how frustrating it can be!
One of the most effective treatments available is Jublia, a prescription topical medication. However, Jublia comes with a hefty price tag, making it unaffordable for many. Because of this, many people search for a Jublia alternative over the counter.
So, what are your options if you’re looking for a more affordable and accessible way to tackle toenail fungus? This article explores some over-the-counter alternatives to Jublia and provides tips on managing the cost of treating this persistent infection.
The High Cost of Jublia and Why It Matters
What is Jublia?
Jublia is a topical medicine designed to treat onychomycosis, also known as a nail fungal infection. People with this condition apply it directly to the affected nails every day.
How Jublia Works
Jublia contains efinaconazole, which is an antifungal. It works by stopping the fungus from growing.
Why Jublia is so Expensive
Jublia is a brand-name medication, and at the present time, there is no generic version available in the United States. This means that the company that makes Jublia can set the price without competition from generic manufacturers.
The patent on Jublia isn’t expected to expire until 2026, and even after that, it can take years for generic versions to hit the market.
The Financial Burden on Patients
The cost of Jublia can be very high — more than $1,000 per bottle. Depending on how many nails need treatment, the annual cost can be quite a burden for many people.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options: An Overview
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, you might be tempted to try some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. But before you head to the drugstore, here’s what you should know.
Limitations of OTC Treatments
OTC topical antifungals may not be strong enough to fully clear up a nail infection. It’s always best to get a professional diagnosis. That might mean seeing a podiatrist, who may take a nail clipping, perform a biopsy, or do a KOH test to figure out exactly what’s going on.
Common OTC Antifungal Ingredients
Some of the most common ingredients in OTC antifungal treatments include:
- Tolnaftate. Tolnaftate works by stopping the growth of fungi. You can find it in products like Tinactin.
- Undecylenic Acid. Undecylenic acid keeps fungus from growing on your nails. You can find it in products like Fungi-Nail.
Improving OTC Treatment Effectiveness
If you’re going to try an OTC treatment, here are some things you can do to make it more effective:
- Nail debridement. This means thinning out the nail, often with a urea-based topical agent, so the medication can penetrate better.
- Proper application. Make sure you clean and dry the affected area well before putting on the medication.
- Consistency. OTC treatments usually require you to stick with them for a long time.
Exploring home remedies for toenail fungus
If you’re looking for a Jublia alternative over the counter, you might consider some common home remedies. While these options may not be as powerful as prescription treatments, some people find them helpful.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, has antifungal properties. One small study showed that 100% tea tree oil was just as effective at treating nail fungus as a 1% clotrimazole antifungal ointment.
To use tea tree oil, apply it directly to the affected nail twice a day. However, it’s important to know that about half of tea tree oil users see improvement, but the rate of recurrence (the fungus coming back) is high.
Vicks VapoRub
Believe it or not, some people swear by Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus. One small study showed that Vicks VapoRub had promising results for people with onychomycosis (toenail fungus). After 48 weeks, more than half of the participants had partial clearing of the fungus, and some had complete clearing. A study in 2016 confirmed these results in people with HIV.
To try Vicks VapoRub, apply a small amount to the affected nail every day.
Other home remedies
You may have also heard of other home remedies for toenail fungus, such as: fungus nail soaks.
- Coconut oil, which has antifungal properties
- Vinegar soaks
Keep in mind that home remedies for toenail fungus don’t have a lot of solid clinical evidence to back them up. If you have toenail fungus, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about the best treatment options for you.
Prescription treatments and combination therapies
If over-the-counter remedies don’t clear up your nail fungus, it may be time to consult your doctor about a prescription treatment or other fungus killer for feet. Here are some of the options you and your doctor may discuss.
Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox)
Penlac is a topical antifungal medication that you paint onto your nails like nail polish. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus that’s causing your infection.
While it’s an option, it’s not as effective as Jublia, which has been shown to be two to three times more effective. However, Penlac is significantly less expensive than Jublia, costing about nine times less.
Oral antifungal medications
Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are also available by prescription. These medications are taken by mouth and work by killing the fungus from the inside out.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of these medications before starting treatment.
Combination therapies
In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining topical and oral antifungal medications for a more effective treatment.
Debridement, which involves removing the infected part of the nail, can also be combined with topical antifungals. Studies have shown that using a urea-based topical agent for debridement can significantly improve symptoms.
Strategies for Managing Toenail Fungus Treatment Costs
Toenail fungus can be tricky and expensive to treat. Here are a few ways to save money while treating your toenail fungus:
- Consult a doctor: It’s always best to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a podiatrist before starting any treatment.
- Ask about generic medications: When available, generic versions of prescription medications are usually much cheaper.
- Consider online pharmacies: You can often find significant savings by purchasing your medications from reputable online pharmacies.
Speaking of expensive medications, in 2016, CVS pharmacies decided that Jublia was too expensive to sell without putting major restrictions in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 check directly with your local CVS pharmacy or use their online price checker tool for the most accurate and up-to-date cost information. Keep in mind that Jublia is a prescription medication, so you’ll need a valid prescription from your doctor to purchase it.
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for toenail fungus?
While there isn’t a single “best” over-the-counter medicine for everyone, some common options include antifungal creams, gels, and nail lacquers containing ingredients like tolnaftate or undecylenic acid. These can help manage mild fungal infections, but they often take several months to show results and may not be effective for severe infections. Always follow the product’s instructions carefully.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
You should never attempt to cut off your toenail yourself if it has a fungal infection. This can lead to serious complications like infection or injury. Instead, consult with a podiatrist or doctor. They may recommend trimming the nail in a specific way or removing part or all of the nail as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How long does a bottle of Jublia last?
The duration a bottle of Jublia lasts depends on the size of the affected nail(s) and how consistently you apply the medication. A typical bottle is designed to provide enough medication for a full course of treatment on one or two nails, but this can vary. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully for application frequency and duration.
What is the strongest antifungal over-the-counter?
The term “strongest” can be subjective, but generally, products containing undecylenic acid at higher concentrations are considered among the more potent over-the-counter antifungals. However, even these may not be as effective as prescription-strength medications like Jublia for severe or deep-seated infections. It’s crucial to manage expectations and consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or worsening symptoms.
In Summary
If you think you have toenail fungus, you should talk with your doctor or a podiatrist. They can examine your toe and help you decide on the right treatment.
You can treat toenail fungus with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, but prescription medications are also an option. Before you decide on a treatment, you should think about how much it costs, whether it has any side effects, and whether it fits your lifestyle.