Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is more common than you might think. For alternative treatments and visuals, see nail fungus Loceryl before & after pictures and treatment tips. It’s not life-threatening, but it can certainly take a toll on your quality of life. Nobody wants to walk around with thick, discolored, or brittle nails. Luckily, there are treatments available.
Two popular topical treatments for onychomycosis are tavaborole (Kerydin, and now available as a generic) and efinaconazole (Jublia). But how do you decide which one is right for you? This article is going to break down the key differences between tavaborole vs Jublia, looking at everything from how well they work to their potential side effects.
We’ll compare their efficacy rates, discuss the common (and not-so-common) side effects, explain how they’re used, and even touch on what real patients are saying about their experiences. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which of these medications might be the best choice for tackling your nail fungus.
Understanding onychomycosis
To understand the differences between tavaborole and Jublia, it’s important to know what onychomycosis is and what causes it.
Prevalence and impact
Onychomycosis is a common condition, especially in North America. Studies show that almost 14 percent of adults have it, and almost one-half of one percent of children and teens under 18 have it. Having a fungal nail infection can affect a person’s quality of life and make them feel self-conscious.
Causes and risk factors
Dermatophytes are the most common cause of onychomycosis. In the United States, dermatophytes cause about 70 percent of these infections.
But there are other causes, too, including nondermatophyte molds and yeasts. It’s also possible to have a mixed infection. Studies show that almost 40 percent of infections include a mix of dermatophytes and nondermatophyte molds or yeasts.
Tavaborole (Kerydin/Generic)
Tavaborole is an antifungal medicine that comes in a topical form, meaning it’s something you paint on your toenail. It’s sold under the brand name Kerydin, but generic versions are also available.
How it works
Tavaborole contains boronic acid and works by stopping fungus from making proteins. It zeroes in on an enzyme called leucyl-tRNA synthetase, which the fungus needs to survive.
Does it work?
The clinical trials for tavaborole showed a topical cure rate (meaning the toenails returned to normal) of about 6.5% to 9.1%. Keep in mind that how well it works can depend on a few things, like how bad the infection is to begin with, and how well you stick to the treatment plan.
How to use it
The usual way to use tavaborole is to paint it on the affected toenails once a day for 48 weeks, or almost a year. It’s important to follow the directions on the label and keep using it for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your toenails start to look better sooner.
Side effects
Like all medications, tavaborole can cause side effects. The most common ones are usually mild, like redness, itching, or burning where you put the medicine. Serious side effects are rare but can happen.
Efinaconazole (Jublia)
Efinaconazole, sold under the brand name Jublia, is a topical antifungal medication used to treat onychomycosis, or nail fungus. If you’re looking to save money, check out how to find GoodRx Jublia.
How it works
Efinaconazole is a triazole antifungal. It works by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By interfering with ergosterol production, efinaconazole inhibits fungal growth.
How well it works
Clinical trials have shown efinaconazole to have a topical cure rate of 15.2% to 17.8% for toenail fungus.
A variety of factors can affect how well efinaconazole works, including how severe the infection is and whether the patient follows the instructions carefully.
How to use it
Efinaconazole topical solution is applied to the affected toenails once daily for 48 weeks. It’s important to apply the medication to all affected nails, even if only one or two nails appear to be infected. The entire course of treatment must be completed to achieve the best results.
Side effects
The most common side effects associated with efinaconazole use are application site reactions, such as:
- redness
- itching
- burning
- swelling
Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. If you experience any unusual symptoms while using efinaconazole, contact your doctor immediately.
Tavaborole versus Efinaconazole: How do they stack up?
Tavaborole and efinaconazole are two common topical medications used to treat onychomycosis. Both are applied directly to the nail, but how do they really compare?
Which is more effective?
Clinical trials tell us a lot about how well a medication works. So, let’s compare the cure rates of tavaborole and efinaconazole based on the data.
It’s important to keep in mind that when researchers compare medications, many factors could explain why one medication appears to be better than the other. The severity of the infection, the way the medication is used, and even the characteristics of the people in the study can all play a role.
What about side effects?
No one wants a medication to cause unpleasant or serious side effects. It’s helpful to directly compare the common and serious side effects of both tavaborole and efinaconazole to see if one is easier to tolerate than the other.
Other factors to consider
Beyond effectiveness and side effects, things like cost, insurance coverage, how often you need to apply the medication, and how easy it is to use can all influence which treatment is best for you. Let’s take a look at these practical considerations for tavaborole and efinaconazole.
Patient reviews and ratings
What do people who’ve actually used Jublia and Kerydin think of them?
On Drugs.com, Jublia has an average rating of 5.6 out of 10, with 49% of reviewers reporting a positive experience and 42% reporting a negative experience. Kerydin’s average rating is lower, at 4.6 out of 10. Just 34% of reviewers had a positive experience, while 55% had a negative one.
Keep in mind that online reviews are subjective, so don’t rely on them too heavily. Your experience with either drug will depend on your unique circumstances. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor to decide what’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tavaborole effective for toenail fungus?
Tavaborole (Kerydin) is an antifungal medication specifically designed to treat toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. Clinical trials have shown it to be effective in some patients, but the cure rate isn’t as high as some other treatments. Success depends on factors like the severity of the infection and how well the medication penetrates the nail.
How long does tavaborole last?
Tavaborole is a topical treatment, and its effects last as long as you consistently apply it as prescribed. You typically apply it to the affected toenails once daily for 48 weeks (almost a year). Even after you stop using it, the antifungal effects can persist for a while as the new, healthy nail grows out. However, recurrence is possible if the underlying conditions that caused the infection aren’t addressed.
What works as good as Jublia?
Jublia (efinaconazole) is another topical antifungal medication for toenail fungus. In terms of efficacy, tavaborole and efinaconazole are often compared. Some oral antifungal medications, like terbinafine, tend to have higher cure rates, but they also carry a greater risk of side effects. Before considering such treatments, it’s essential to know what you must know about Lamisil for fungus nail. Other topical options and laser treatments are also available, but their effectiveness varies.
Why is Jublia 10% so expensive?
The high cost of Jublia, like many branded medications, is due to several factors. These include the research and development costs associated with bringing a new drug to market, the patent protection that gives the manufacturer exclusive rights, and marketing expenses. Additionally, the complex manufacturing process and the limited number of manufacturers can contribute to the higher price.
In Closing
Both tavaborole and efinaconazole are topical medications used to treat toenail fungus. They both work by stopping the fungus from growing, but they have different application schedules, potential side effects, and success rates.
Because everyone’s body and infections are different, the best way to figure out which treatment is right for you is to talk with your doctor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your individual needs and medical history.
Keep in mind that no matter which treatment you and your doctor choose, your success will depend on how well you stick to the treatment plan and how severe your infection is to begin with.