New Medications to
Treat Toenail Fungus
In the past few months there have been 2 new topical
antifungal medications to become FDA approved. These 2 medications are Jublia
and Kerydin, it has been the first time in decades that there have been new FDA
approved prescription antifungal medications. These medications are being
advertised on TV and in magazines and there have been a lot of patients asking about
them. I will take this blog to discuss these medications.
Jublia (efinaconazole)
has been getting a lot of media attention. Jublia has
been advertising a toenail with fungus wearing a purple helmet having a boxing
match with a fungus and winning. This medication works as an antifungal liquid
topical medication. It is applied to the toenails affected with fungus daily
for about 48 weeks. Many patients are shocked when I mention that most topical
antifungal medication need to be applied for that long. But the fact is
toenails grow approximately 1mm per month, so it takes about 9-12 months for
the entire toenail to grow from start to finish. Having said that Jublia and
all topical antifungal medications need to be applied for about a year.
How effective is this
medication and what are the side effects?
There have been many studies to check the efficacy. A
complete cure was noted in 15-18% of patients. The nails were “mostly clear” in
23-26% and there a mycological cure (microscopically clear of fungus) in 54% of
patients. These percentages are the highest we have seen in this class of
mediations.
A big question patients have is what the side effects are.
The side effects are in 2% of patients and are minor. They include the
following: ingrown toenails, redness, blisters to the surrounding skin,
itching, burning and pain.
What about Kerydin
(tavaborole)?
Kerydin is a little less effective than Jublia. The complete
cure rate is 6.5-9%, the mostly clear percentage is between 15-18%. The
mycological cure rate is between 31-36%. Only 1% of patients have side effects
and they are ingrown toenails, redness and a skin reaction called dermatitis
Which Medication is
best for me:
Each person needs to talk to their physician about which
medication is better for them. They are both very similar with slightly
different effective rates. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or who
are nursing should not go these medications.
For more information, please visit our website at http://footnj.com/podiatrist-new-jersey-about-us/23/240-laser-toenail-fungus-treatment
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