If you’re dealing with a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), your doctor might have prescribed Tavaborole, a topical medication that’s applied directly to the affected nail. Because it’s a prescription medication, obtaining Tavaborole can be difficult.
This article will explore a tavaborole alternative, including over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, other prescription medications, and even some home remedies you might consider.
Keep in mind that not all treatments are created equal, and some have significant limitations. Always talk with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Prescription alternatives to tavaborole
If you’re looking for a prescription medication besides tavaborole, here are some options to discuss with your doctor:
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Terbinafine (Lamisil) is available as a prescription oral or topical medication. You may be able to save money by using a generic version of terbinafine. It’s used to treat onychomycosis (nail fungus) and other fungal infections.
On Drugs.com, patients rate:
- Tavaborole topical: 4.6/10
- Terbinafine: 6.4/10
- Lamisil: 6.9/10
Keep in mind that terbinafine has 156 known drug interactions, so it’s important to discuss your medication list with your doctor.
Other prescription options
Your doctor may recommend other prescription topical and oral medications, such as ciclopirox, efinaconazole (Jublia), or itraconazole.
The best way to find the right medication for you is to talk with a healthcare professional. They can assess your condition and make personalized recommendations.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments: Limitations and Options
So, what about the stuff you can buy at the drugstore? Well, OTC treatments for nail fungus can be helpful, but they have their limits. Most of them focus on treating the skin around the nail. The problem is, they often can’t penetrate the nail bed itself, which is where the fungus is really living.
Common OTC antifungal ingredients include tolnaftate and undecylenic acid. There’s no single “best” OTC treatment; it really depends on the severity of your infection and how your body responds.
Keep in mind that OTC medications may only help with mild nail fungus. They may keep the infection at bay, but they might not completely get rid of it. If that’s the case, you may need to see a doctor.
Home remedies for nail fungus: Potential and precautions
If you’re looking for alternatives to tavaborole, you may have heard of home remedies like vinegar soaks, tea tree oil, or even baking soda. These may provide some relief, especially if your nail fungus is mild.
However, you shouldn’t rely on home remedies alone, especially if your nail fungus is severe. If you’ve tried home remedies and they aren’t working, you should see a doctor.
If you do use home remedies, here are some ways to boost their effectiveness:
- Trim and debride your nails.
- Practice good foot hygiene.
- Keep your nails short.
Lifestyle Modifications and Preventative Measures
Good foot hygiene is key to preventing and managing nail fungus. Here’s what I recommend:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear breathable socks and shoes.
- Treat athlete’s foot right away to keep it from spreading to your nails.
- Don’t share nail clippers and files with other people.
And, if you’re a nail polish user, talk to your dermatologist about the potential impact of nail polish on your nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest medicine for toenail fungus?
That’s a tricky question because “strongest” can mean different things – most effective, most potent, or harshest on the body. Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are often considered very effective, but they also carry a risk of side effects. Topical options like tavaborole and efinaconazole are generally safer but may take longer to work. The best option depends on the severity of your infection and your individual health profile, so definitely chat with your doctor!
Is there a generic for tavaborole?
As of right now, no, there isn’t a generic version of tavaborole available. Tavaborole is a relatively newer medication, and the patent is still held by the manufacturer. This means you’ll likely only find it available under its brand name for the time being. Keep an eye out though – generic versions often appear once patents expire!
Is tavaborole over the counter?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t snag tavaborole over the counter. It’s a prescription medication, meaning you’ll need to see a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional to get a prescription before you can purchase it. They’ll be able to assess your condition and determine if tavaborole is the right treatment for you.
Conclusion
If you think you have toenail fungus, talk with your doctor or other health professional for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Treatment options range from prescription medications to over-the-counter remedies and home care. Keep in mind that it can take months to treat toenail fungus, and not all cases require treatment.