Onychomycosis, a fungal infection that affects the toenails, can cause them to become thick, discolored, and misshapen. As you might imagine, this common condition can be painful, unsightly, and difficult to treat.
One of the prescription medications available to treat toenail fungus is Jublia. The active ingredient in Jublia is efinaconazole, an antifungal. Jublia is applied directly to the affected toenails.
But what are the other jublia ingredients? And how exactly does it work? This article will give you a thorough rundown of Jublia and its components.
What is efinaconazole?
Efinaconazole is the active ingredient in Jublia. It’s an antifungal medication that helps to treat toenail fungus. Here’s how it works:
Mechanism of Action
Efinaconazole stops fungus from growing by interfering with its ability to produce ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. Efinaconazole targets lanosterol 14α-demethylase, an enzyme that is critical for ergosterol synthesis.
Spectrum of Activity
Jublia is effective against onychomycosis (toenail fungus) caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are the most common fungi responsible for toenail infections. Efinaconazole has been shown to be active against these microorganisms in laboratory studies.
When you apply Jublia to your toenails, efinaconazole penetrates the nail and gets to work killing the fungus that’s causing the infection.
What’s in Jublia and how does it come?
Jublia is a topical solution that you brush onto your toenails, and here’s what you should know about it:
- Jublia is a clear liquid that’s either colorless or has a slightly yellow tinge.
- Each milliliter (mL) of Jublia solution contains 100 milligrams (mg) of efinaconazole.
- Jublia is only for use on your toenails.
- Jublia is a 10% topical solution.
- Jublia usually comes in a bottle with a brush you can use to apply the solution.
If you’re using Jublia, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. It’s important to apply it exactly as prescribed and for the full course of treatment to get the best results.
Dosage and Administration
If your doctor prescribes Jublia, you’ll need to apply it to your affected toenails once a day for 48 weeks. That’s a long time compared to some other topical antifungals, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for best results.
Here’s how to apply Jublia:
- Make sure your toenails are clean and dry.
- Apply Jublia to the entire toenail, including all the nooks and crannies like the nail folds, nail bed, and the undersurface of the nail plate.
- Let the solution dry completely.
- Wait at least 10 minutes after you shower or bathe before you apply it.
Don’t forget that good hygiene is super important when you’re treating toenail fungus! You should trim your toenails regularly and avoid sharing nail clippers with anyone else.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Jublia can cause side effects. It’s essential to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are related to the area where you apply the medication. These may include:
- Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
- Vesicles (small blisters)
- Pain
- Erythema (redness)
- Exfoliation (scaling or peeling)
- Burning, itching, or stinging at the application site
- Ingrown toenail
Most of these application site reactions are mild and go away on their own.
Less Common, But Important Side Effects
While less common, some side effects may indicate a more serious reaction. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
- Blisters
- Crusts
- Rash
- Swelling
Postmarketing Experience
After Jublia was released to the market, some additional side effects were reported, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
Managing Side Effects
If you experience any side effects from Jublia, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. While most application site reactions are mild and resolve on their own, your doctor can provide guidance on managing any discomfort. If side effects are severe or persistent, they may recommend alternative treatments.
Precautions and Warnings
If you’re considering using Jublia, here are some precautions and warnings to keep in mind.
Flammability Warning
Jublia is flammable, so you need to keep it away from heat and open flames. Never smoke or use heat sources while you’re applying Jublia or right after you’ve put it on your toenail.
Contraindications
Don’t use Jublia if you know you’re hypersensitive or allergic to efinaconazole or any of the other ingredients in the product.
Use in Specific Populations
Here’s what you need to know if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child or older adult.
- Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, only use Jublia if the benefits of treating your toenail fungus outweigh the risks to your baby. Animal studies suggest there could be some toxicity that affects reproduction and development.
- Lactation: We don’t know for sure if efinaconazole gets into human breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding, be extra careful when using Jublia.
- Pediatric Use: Jublia hasn’t been studied enough in kids younger than 6, so we don’t know if it’s safe and effective for them.
- Geriatric Use: Older adults can generally use Jublia safely, just like younger adults. Studies haven’t found any major differences in how well it works or how safe it is.
Other Precautions
A few more things to be aware of:
- Avoid getting Jublia in your eyes, mouth, nose, on your lips, or in any open wounds.
- Jublia is for external use only. Don’t take it by mouth, put it in your eyes, or use it internally.
Drug Interactions
The good news is that Jublia doesn’t seem to have many drug interactions, which is always a plus.
Here’s what we know:
- Jublia doesn’t seem to mess with your cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, which are important for metabolizing drugs.
- Very little of the active ingredient in Jublia, efinaconazole, gets absorbed into your system, so it’s less likely to cause problems with other medications.
- That said, there haven’t been any official studies looking at how Jublia interacts with other drugs, so always let your doctor know what else you’re taking.
What do the clinical trials say?
Jublia’s been through a couple of clinical trials to find out how well it works and how safe it is. Here’s what they found:
Does it work?
The trials looked at adults with toenail fungus and measured how many people got a “complete cure” (meaning their toenails looked normal again, and the fungus was gone) after 48 weeks of using Jublia.
As with any medication, it’s important to talk to a doctor about whether it’s right for you.
Is it safe?
The trials also kept an eye on any side effects people had while using Jublia.
The most common thing people noticed was some kind of reaction where they put the medicine on, like redness, itching, or swelling. But the trials showed that, in general, Jublia is safe to use.
Of course, if you have any concerns about side effects, you should always chat with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed “permanent” cure for toenail fungus. Even with effective treatment, and understanding the ingredients for fighting nail fungus in products like Funginix, recurrence is possible. Oral antifungal medications generally have the highest success rates, but topical treatments like Jublia can also be effective, although they may take longer and require strict adherence to the treatment plan.
What is the most effective OTC treatment for toenail fungus?
Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus, such as Fungicure Intensive Spray, often have limited effectiveness. While some may temporarily improve the appearance of the nail, they rarely eradicate the infection completely. Look for options containing ingredients like undecylenic acid, but it is important to research Fungicure spray ingredients to ensure their safety and effectiveness; remember that a prescription treatment might be necessary for significant improvement.
Is there an alternative to JUBLIA?
Yes, several alternatives to Jublia exist, including other topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal medications (like terbinafine or itraconazole), and laser therapy. The best alternative for you will depend on the severity of your infection and your doctor’s recommendations.
How to know if toenail fungus is dying?
Signs that the toenail fungus is dying include new, healthy nail growth emerging from the base of the nail, a decrease in discoloration and thickening of the affected nail, and a reduction in crumbling or brittleness. It’s important to continue treatment for the full duration prescribed, even if you see improvement.
What is a common concern when using JUBLIA?
A common concern with Jublia is the length of treatment required (often several months) and the relatively lower success rate compared to oral medications. It’s crucial to apply Jublia consistently as directed and to understand that it may take a significant amount of time to see results, if any.
Final Thoughts
Jublia, which contains efinaconazole, is a topical medication that can effectively treat onychomycosis (toenail fungus) caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
To get the best results, you’ll need to apply it properly, stick to your treatment schedule, and watch for side effects.
If you think you have a toenail fungus, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if Jublia is right for you and answer any questions you may have about using it.