Efinaconazole (Topical application)
Generic name: efinaconazole [ ef-in-a-KON-a-zole ]
Brand name: Jublia
Drug class: Topical antifungals
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2024.
Uses for efinaconazole
Efinaconazole topical solution is used to treat fungal or yeast infection of the toenails. This medicine works by killing the fungus or yeast, or preventing its growth.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using efinaconazole
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of efinaconazole topical solution in children 6 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of efinaconazole topical solution in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to be sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper use of efinaconazole
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
This medicine is for use on the toenails and surrounding skin only. It is not for use in the eyes, mouth, or vagina.
To use:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Apply to the affected toenail(s) by using the integrated flow-through brush applicator to spread the medicine around the whole toenail, including the cuticle, folds of the skin next to the sides of the toenail, and underneath the toenail.
- Wait for at least 10 minutes after showering, bathing, or washing before applying the medicine.
- Avoid pedicures, the use of nail polish, and cosmetic nail products (eg, gel nails or acrylic nails) while using this medicine.
To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus or yeast infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.
This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For topical dosage form (solution):
- For treatment of fungal infection of the toenails:
- Adults and children 6 years of age and older—Apply to the affected toenail(s) once a day for 48 weeks.
- Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of fungal infection of the toenails:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Related/similar drugs
terbinafine, itraconazole, Lamisil, ciclopirox topical, griseofulvin, Jublia
Precautions while using efinaconazole
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.
If your toenail problem does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your doctor right away if you have itching, swelling, redness, or irritation at the application site.
Side Effects of efinaconazole
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Blistering, burning, itching, pain, stinging, or redness at the application site
- ingrown toenail
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Jublia
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antifungal
Chemical Class: Triazole
More about efinaconazole topical
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical antifungals
- Breastfeeding
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