Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is more common than you might think. In fact, it affects between 8 and 14 percent of North Americans. Beyond being unsightly, onychomycosis can be painful and uncomfortable, and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Fortunately, there are treatments available. One such treatment is Jublia (efinaconazole solution 10%), a topical antifungal medication designed to combat onychomycosis. Unlike oral medications, which can come with systemic side effects, Jublia offers a localized approach to tackling the infection.
But how effective is Jublia? This article dives into the heart of the matter, exploring the success rate of Jublia based on the data from clinical trials and long-term studies. We’ll examine both its efficacy and its safety profile, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect from this treatment option. So, just what is the success rate of Jublia?
Understanding Jublia and its mechanism of action
Jublia’s active ingredient is efinaconazole, which is a type of antifungal called a triazole. Efinaconazole works by blocking an enzyme called lanosterol 14-α-demethylase that the fungus needs to make ergosterol.
What’s ergosterol? It’s a key part of the fungus’s cell membranes, and without it, the fungus can’t survive.
Jublia is a 10% topical solution, which means it’s applied directly to the infected nail. This is great, because it limits how much of the medication ends up in the rest of your body, unlike oral medications.
Clinical trial results
Jublia’s success rate has been measured in clinical trials. Here’s what you should know.
Study design and patient population
Researchers conducted two 52-week, prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trials to measure how well Jublia worked. (That’s a mouthful, but it means the studies were carefully designed to avoid bias and measure results accurately.) In the trials, the researchers compared Jublia to a control treatment.
The combined trials included 1,651 participants (1,239 in the Jublia group and 416 in the control group). Most were male (77.2%) and white (75.8%), with an average age of about 51.5 years (ranging from 18 to 75 years old).
What they measured
The main thing the researchers wanted to measure was the “complete cure” rate. A complete cure was defined as having 0% of the affected toenail remaining and a mycological cure (meaning the fungus was gone).
Here’s what the trials found:
- Complete cure: In the first trial, 17.8% of Jublia users achieved a complete cure, compared to only 3.3% in the control group. In the second trial, the numbers were 15.2% for Jublia and 5.5% for the control.
- Mycological cure: In the first trial, 55.2% of Jublia users achieved a mycological cure, compared to 16.8% in the control group. In the second trial, the numbers were 53.4% for Jublia and 16.9% for the control group.
- Complete or almost complete cure: In the first trial, 26.4% of Jublia users achieved a complete or almost complete cure, compared to 7.0% in the control group. In the second trial, the numbers were 23.4% for Jublia and 7.5% for the control group.
So, while Jublia does show a statistically significant improvement compared to doing nothing, it’s important to note that the “complete cure” rate is relatively low. The “mycological cure” rate is better, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the nail looks normal again.
How well does Jublia work for various groups of people?
In clinical trials, researchers looked at how well Jublia worked for different groups of people. Here’s what they found:
Sex
There were some trends in the data that suggested Jublia may have worked somewhat better for women than for men. But it’s important to know that these were just trends, not statistically significant differences.
Race
The study data also showed a trend toward Jublia working better for people of Asian descent. But again, this was just a trend and not a statistically significant difference.
Age
Whether participants were older or younger than 65 years old didn’t seem to have any impact on how well Jublia worked.
Remember that these are subgroup analyses, which means they weren’t the primary focus of the study. The best way to know if Jublia is right for you is to talk with your doctor about your individual situation.
Safety and adverse reactions
The side effect profiles of Jublia and its vehicle solution were, generally, pretty similar.
The most common side effects reported during the clinical trials were:
- Ingrown toenail (reported in 2.3% of people using Jublia vs. 0.7% using the vehicle solution)
- Dermatitis at the application site (reported in 2.2% of people using Jublia vs. 0.2% using the vehicle solution)
- Vesicles and pain (frequency not specified)
It’s important to note that the clinical trial analysis didn’t look at whether side effects varied based on sex or race. So, we don’t have enough information to know if Jublia affects different groups of people differently.
How long does Jublia take to work?
You may wonder how long you’ll need to use Jublia for it to work. Here’s what the studies show.
24-Month Treatment Outcomes
A 24-month study looked at how well efinaconazole 10% topical solution (Jublia) worked when people used it for nail fungus. The study showed that the longer people used the medication, the better it worked.
The mycological cure rate (when there’s no more fungus) improved from 60% at 12 months to 74.2% at 24 months.
The effective cure rate (when there’s no more fungus and the nail looks almost normal) also went up, from 17.8% at 12 months to 19.4% at 24 months.
What this means for your treatment
These results suggest that it’s important to consider using Jublia for longer than 12 months, especially if you have a severe infection. Older adults may also benefit from using it for a longer time.
Sometimes, nail infections can involve molds that aren’t dermatophytes (NDMs). For comprehensive solutions, explore top antifungal options for clear and healthy nails. These infections may be more common than we thought. Jublia works against a wide range of fungi, so it could be a good choice if you have a mixed infection (with both dermatophytes and NDMs).
Remember, everyone’s different, and the best treatment plan for you will depend on your specific situation. For expert treatment guidance, talk to your doctor about whether Jublia is the right choice for you and how long you should use it to get the best results.
Comparing Jublia to other treatments
When it comes to treating toenail fungus, you have options besides Jublia, including laser treatment. Oral medications tend to be more effective, but they also carry a higher risk of side effects since they affect your whole body. These oral antifungals can also interact with other medications you’re taking.
Compared to older topical treatments like ciclopirox, Jublia has been shown to work better. However, another topical treatment called efinaconazole seems to have similar success rates to Jublia after 12 months of use, regardless of age. If you’re over 70, you may just need to use it for a longer period to get the same results as someone younger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use too much Jublia?
It’s important to use Jublia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Applying more than the recommended amount won’t necessarily make it work faster or better, and it could potentially increase the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Unfortunately, “permanently” killing toenail fungus is a tricky concept. While treatments like Jublia can be highly effective, there’s always a chance of recurrence. The best approach involves consistent treatment as prescribed, good foot hygiene, and addressing any underlying conditions that might contribute to fungal infections.
How successful is Jublia?
Clinical trials have shown Jublia to be effective in treating toenail fungus, but success rates vary. Studies suggest that a significant percentage of patients achieve complete or near-complete clearance of the infection. However, individual results can depend on factors like the severity of the infection and adherence to the treatment plan.
How much is Jublia without insurance?
Without insurance, Jublia can be quite expensive. The price varies depending on the pharmacy and location, but it’s generally considered a costly medication. It’s best to check with your local pharmacies for current pricing and explore options like manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs to potentially lower the cost.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Whether or not to wear socks to bed with toenail fungus is a matter of personal preference and hygiene. If you do wear socks, choose clean, breathable cotton socks to help absorb moisture and prevent further fungal growth. Consider changing them daily and washing them in hot water to kill any lingering fungus.
In Summary
Jublia works to treat onychomycosis, and its success rate varies depending on the definition of “cure” and how long you use it. You and your doctor should consider your individual situation and the severity of your infection when you decide how long to use Jublia.
You should also consider your age and whether you have any mixed infections. Jublia is a good topical treatment option, especially for people who can’t take oral medications.