Terbinafine and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Sal...
• June 30, 2021

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I had 10 severely infected toenails for 20 years. I tried all kinds of creams and costly laser nail treatments. I read lots of positive reviews about taking Terbinafine. At least it gives me some hope. I've been taking it for almost 6 months and have done 3 liver tests during these 6 months. The only side effect is a bit of an upset stomach. Terbinafine WORKS! It is an unbelievable miracle! Most of the patients have had this problem for years, so you don't mind waiting for a couple of months to see if it worked, as soon as your liver test results show no major side effects. In the first 3 to 4 weeks, I couldn't see any new toenails growing, as mine were severely infected from the nail beds, but I noticed that the fungus on top of the toenails has stopped growing. By 5 to 6 weeks, you can see clear and thin toenails growing a little bit at the bottom. By today, 95% of toenails have turned healthy, and the color of the toenails is completely clear. The remaining 5% of the old toenails on the top still need to grow out gradually."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Miracle drug. Slight stomach aches the first couple of days and feels woozy but that's with anything new you put in. 3 months on this, took it religiously with a high-fat meal at the same time daily. Stopped the fungus cold, my progress pics are so satisfying. 6 months later, I can wear flip-flops again. Thank you, science."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I'm 9 days into my 3-month treatment. Felt like I had the flu all week - headaches & nausea. On day 8, it turned into bad stomach aches and diarrhea, paired with weakness, but I'm probably a bit dehydrated now. I'm going to try and push through and hope the symptoms subside. I am so sick of having gross toenails and I have tried every natural remedy, every topical treatment, and nothing has worked. Wish me luck."

• Me ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I've had toenail fungus for years. Maybe even a decade. Always embarrassed to show my feet because who wants to see nasty thick yellow nails? I finally got over the embarrassment and went to a doctor to ask for help. They said either these pills or a nail polish that takes 1 year to work. I chose the pills. The first night I took them, I couldn't sleep. For about the first week, I had brain fog and mood swings. My appetite was very small. One day, I had a bad stomach ache and diarrhea. I looked online and saw these types of things could happen, and I decided to power through it. The side effects stopped after about 10 days. It's been about 45 days now, and I can't believe the results. Eight of my toes were infected. They all look much better, about 80% healed, I'd say. The side effects suck, but they didn't last long for me, and I love being able to be barefoot without being embarrassed."

• Wei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Just about finished my 3 months on this medication. I have had toenail fungus for 23+ years and was in the process of thinking about getting my toenails removed. My doctor suggested trying this out first, which I have. Through the whole process of Lamisil, I have had a little bit of an upset stomach, nothing serious, though. As for its effectiveness on my fungus, I feel like the fungus has stopped 'growing.' My poor wife used to have to file my nails down as the fungus would grow and be quite painful. She said she's noticed a little good growth at the bed of my toenail. All in all, I am very happy I went this route over removal. We will see the true results in about a year's time."

• too...
• February 12, 2014

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have been on this medicine exactly a month. My right foot, which was affected, is having smooth skin, no itching. The nail is getting harder and better. I love the fact that when my foot touches the sheets, it is not snagging and is not itching. However, I have nausea, an upset stomach, some headaches, I feel tired, and my skin on my face is very sensitive, the slightest scratch swells it up and makes it red. I have a rash on my upper hard palate that just came on yesterday. I want to finish the course, I will have to see. I wish there was a single shot that would take care of this. Why is there such a tedious fungus that has to be eradicated in this fashion?"

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2010

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I am a 31-year-old female that has had toenail fungus for over 10 years. My big and little toe on the same foot. I went to the doctor about 2 months ago after my big toe became very painful (it was throbbing like a toothache). As embarrassed as I was, something had to be done! He prescribed me Lamisil. Side Effects - I had a loss of appetite that sadly only lasted a week. Twice I had a little stomach cramping, and the first week or so was a little bit more tired than usual, but have had no side effects since. I'm on my 38th day. I am extremely happy to say that I see beautiful nails now growing! They won't be perfect until my nail grows completely out, which could take 6 months, but it's working!"

• Coc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2020

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I’ve had severe nail fungus on all the nails on one foot for at least 7 years (I’m 23). I finally went to the doctor in January 2020 and got prescribed terbinafine. I’ve taken it every day for 6 months now, and the nails on my four smaller toes are completely fine now, whilst the big toenail is about 80% healed. I had a few side effects (stomach ache and headache) for the first two weeks or so, but after that, absolutely no side effects. The doctor predicts that the entire course will last 12 months to fully get all the infection. 100% recommend (with regular liver function tests). Also necessary to take it for long enough if your infection is particularly bad or some fungus will remain and you will relapse."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2009

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have been using it for 5 months. My doctor advises one more month of use. I had fungus on 2 nails, and my big toenail, which was 80% infected, has improved to about 15% remaining. The improvement in the nails was very slow for the first 3-4 months, but with this last month, you can see the improvement every day. Thankfully, there were no side effects other than stomach cramps for the first few days. Monthly blood draws to check liver enzymes are normal."

• Mar...
• May 31, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I’m on week 5 but have taken this last year and gave up. I’ve learned to take this at night so you can fall asleep, and if your stomach hurts, you don’t notice, lol. Take a probiotic in the AM. This advice will help so much with your tummy. I also take milk thistle for liver support. Don’t drink alcohol! It makes your stomach hurt, coffee makes you have anxiety (it increases the levels of caffeine in your body!). I can tell a huge difference, but this is where I gave up after the 6 weeks last year. Take the full 3 months. I’m going to throw out all old shoes and all my socks near the end. Be patient. It’s taken me over a year to finally see results from my first dose. Also, after showering, blow dry your toes. Sounds silly, but this helps also. Wash your shoes with bleach. One thing I dealt with was anxiety attacks. If you can push through the rough stages of this medication (if you have any), it’ll be okay and worth it in the end! Don’t stress, it’s what I did. Liver is fine, then you're fine."

• Kad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2020

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Was on terbinafine for 6 months due to a fungal infection on the big toenail for about a year. I tolerated this very well overall. The first few days had some stomach issues (a bit like wind), and I noticed my poo had changed to a lighter color. However, this all disappeared from 2.5 to 3 weeks in, and I was completely fine after that, no symptoms at all! I had 2 liver function tests during the six months I was on terbinafine, and both were fine. This has certainly improved the appearance of my nail in that it looks less dark and is growing much more like how a proper nail should be, not thin and crumbly like before. Would recommend."

• Kcb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I just finished 3 months on Lamisil. The only bad thing I’ve experienced thus far is an upset stomach. It comes and goes, but right now I’ve had the runs for about 5 days. Even though it’s such an irritating side effect, I think for the benefit I’m receiving, it is worth it. So far, I have noticed a difference in my nails. I know my doctor said to wait half a year to a year, but I already see improvement. I’m going to be patient and wait, but I feel like this is going to be promising as several of my nails look better already. Again, the only downside is that I have a very upset stomach, but overall, it wasn’t too bad. I’d recommend it."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2015

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have been taking Lamisil for about 2 months. I have had toenail fungus for about 4 years. The fungus has been very slow-growing, which is why I think that I haven't seen any physical change yet. The fungus is on 4 of my 10 toes. I think that it is spreading to the other ones. I am hoping that I will see some change in the next months. I have heard it takes longer for the worse cases to heal. Oh, and I have had no side effects besides after I take it the first time after a break (I am on pulse dosage), I have a little upset stomach. Nothing too bad though."

• Thi...
• December 31, 2015

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "After 20 years of toenail fungus, started on one big toe, then both, finally all 10. I was ashamed and embarrassed but hid it well, lost the big toenail on my left foot totally and used to stick on a fake one. One day I noticed it had spread to my right thumbnail! Googled, googled, Googled and discovered 'Terbinafine'. I was able to buy online and started taking one a day. Took each tablet with milk. Had a headache for the first few weeks that wouldn't shift. Had a 'metallic' taste and occasional upset tummy for the duration. Disappeared within 2 weeks of stopping. Took for 3 months, amazingly toenails replaced themselves. Nearly gave up at the 8-week mark as nothing was happening, then suddenly, it did! Been off 9 months now. Toenails still clear!"

• Che...
• October 25, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I’ve been dealing with bad toenail fungus on my big toe since I was little, and I finally went to my doctor, and she prescribed me Terbinafine/Lamisil. The only side effects were a headache and upset stomach, but after a week, it stopped. I saw results after 2 weeks, my nail was dark yellow and thick, and it’s now 6 weeks of treatment, and all the yellow is gone, and it looks a lot healthier. My nail is growing out beautifully. I never thought I would get this problem fixed. Also, to speed the process, my doctor recommended clipping off the thick nail and filing it down. Hope this works for others."

• Fun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2015

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I started taking the generic of Lamisil several weeks ago for the awful fungus on all of my toes. I had previously taken this drug years ago with no side effects, however, this time after two weeks I had stomach cramps and everything tasted weird. I continued to take it, minimal symptoms, until I had two pills left. I started having stomach pain again and a terrible backache. I went to the doctor and had blood tested again and kidney and liver tested okay. I was diagnosed with a UTI and told to discontinue the terbinafine. I took an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) but didn't feel any better. Now taking Amoxicillin, however, my back still aches constantly. I am a 65-year-old female."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2015

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have had toenail fungus on both big toenails and one little toenail for 20 years and have tried all sorts of topical treatments. I also tried two laser treatments. Topical and laser treatments worked a little but didn't knock out the fungus. Just finishing my third month on terbinafine, and it has worked very well. New nail growth looks fabulous and appears to be healthy. I probably need to stay on medication for another three months until diseased nails grow out completely and are trimmed off. No noticeable side effects except a little upset tummy...especially the first two weeks. I am very pleased. Sixty-year-old male."

• Tay...
• May 5, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "3rd time on this only because I was an idiot and would space taking it because it was summer and wanted to drink. My toe nails were pretty bad and crumbling. It’s been a year, and even though I took the meds not regularly, I still notice a huge difference and gave my body a break, and now I’m ready to take it every day and get rid of it. I read bad reviews and got it in my head I was basically going to die if I took this lol... silly. Don’t listen. I believe my body is used to it now, so I only get stomach aches. Sometimes mood swings or headaches, but come on. If you struggle with toe fungus and are insecure, just take the meds... put up with a little side effects and finish it. Only advice I will give that I learned taking this is to have a meal in the am and 3 cups of water and then take the medication so you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. Drink a lot of water, it helps the body digest and makes your stomach hurt less."

• Gaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2018

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I'm 2 weeks on this drug, I can see changes in the nails already. I have the fungus in all 10. Experienced an upset stomach, but I use 1 Pepto-Bismol tablet every other day. I take the medication in the evening and other medication in the AM so that the stomach doesn’t get overwhelmed. I shall update as time passes. Honestly, after 10 years of fungus, I am just happy to see a positive change, and the side effects are manageable. I am in the U.K., and I get this medication for free!"

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I took this medication for 2 months, resulting in severe diarrhea, gurgling stomach, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and depression. Now, almost a month after stopping the drug, I maintain a bland diet and take Imodium to try to stop the gurgling stomach and persistent diarrhea. The side effects from this drug are much worse than the original problem. What doctor would prescribe a drug with such severe and long-lasting side effects to cure toenail fungus? I try to take as few prescription drugs as I can, preferring homeopathic treatment. In the future, I will take a long, hard look at alternatives to this dangerous garbage. Run, don’t walk, from a doctor prescribing this poison. I would literally rather have my nails pulled off with pliers in the future than use this drug again. I hope it hasn't damaged my liver as others have reported. I feel my trust was violated, and my body was damaged by this drug."

• sko...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2014

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I've had toenail fungus for almost 15 years. I tried all the OTC and home remedies. I finally tried terbinafine daily for almost 3 months. I had an upset stomach and a metallic taste in my mouth, but I got used to it, and it appeared to go away. To my surprise, my big toenail became very shiny and clear, but I still was skeptical. Almost two months went by, and I noticed my smaller nails were pink. I couldn't believe it. I was so used to these ugly things that I guess I never really looked at them. The two smallest nails I'm still not sure if they'll come in, so I didn't give the rating a 10. I'm going to go a few more months to make sure. We'll see, but I have hope."

• Dan...
• March 27, 2017

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I am a 52-year-old male with bad fungus for years. Finally got sick of it and wanted to do something about it. Just finished a 12-week treatment. Do see improvement but not all gone. Small toes look good, but big toes have a way to go. Hopefully will continue to get better. Weird taste in mouth from time to time. Stomach issues periodically. Stayed away from alcohol for a full 12 weeks. Liver function tests a couple of times with no issues. Not the best experience, but not the worst either. Grin and bear it."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Started in November, it's now the end of March. 37 y/o F, 135 lbs. Suffered on one foot only for almost 20 years. In the first month, I'd get itchy spells but wasn't worried as this is a sign of Candida die-off. I have IBD, so maybe I had stomach upset as a side effect, but it was nothing out of the ordinary for me, so I didn't notice. I didn't see any difference at first and was worried I'd be one of the unlucky ones with no change. After two months, I noticed they hadn't itched in a while and they weren't getting thick. Though I saw no other difference, I kept on taking them regularly since my liver tests were all okay. The doctor checked them at 3 months and decided to keep me on another 3. Just in the last couple of weeks, I noticed that half my big toe looked normal! So happy!"

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Fingernail "I spent about 18 months trying all kinds of OTC or natural cures for my 3 fingernails infected with fungus. I didn't go to the doctor because I read the side effects from medication would be so horrible. Then one day I saw the fungus had spread to a 4th nail. This got me off my butt, and I visited my dermatologist. He prescribed terbinafine for 6 weeks, and I determined to just push through the side effects. Yes, I experienced several, especially fatigue, gassy stomach, headaches, and metallic taste. But now, after 4 weeks, my healthy nails are growing in great and look so nice. I have 2 more weeks on the pills, and I'm excited to almost be done! My dermo also prescribed generic Penlac nail lacquer, which is easy to use and might add a little strength to the program."

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2021

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Purchased these pills in Oct 2020 and found great improvements with my toenails. The fungus had stopped growing, and my nails seemed stronger. I took a 2-week break at the end of the year and then restarted the medication in Jan 2021. I can see new nail growing through and hope to be fungus-free by summer 2021. Highly recommend. Sometimes I get a little tummy ache, but it’s worth pushing through. I would also recommend purchasing an electric nail file to remove the surface fungus for faster improvements."