Kerydin (Tavaborole) – Topical

What Is Kerydin?

Kerydin (tavaborole) is a liquid prescription solution used to treat fungal infections of the toenails, also called onychomycosis. Kerydin is a topical medication, which means you apply it directly to the affected toenail(s).

Kerydin contains the active ingredient tavaborole. It is classified as an oxaborole antifungal drug. It blocks the fungus from making the proteins it needs to grow and survive. 

Kerydin is available in one strength of 5%. It is a clear liquid solution that comes in glass bottles of 4 milliliters and 10 milliliters. Kerydin includes a pointed-tip dropper that you use to apply the medication. 

What Is Kerydin Used For?

Kerydin is prescribed to treat toenail fungus. The medical term for fungal infection of the toenail is "onychomycosis." 

Kerydin is effective against the common strains of toenail fungus: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. People over 65 years of age and people with weakened immune systems or circulation problems may have an increased risk of onychomycosis.

With toenail fungus, the nails often become thick, brittle, misshapen, and discolored. The nails may look yellow, brown, or have white spots.

How to Use Kerydin

Kerydin is applied to the infected toenail(s) usually once a day. Be sure to follow your prescriber’s directions and the instructions included in the product packaging.

Here is an overview of how to apply Kerydin:

• Before you apply Kerydin, make sure your toenails are clean and dry.
• Using the supplied dropper, apply enough solution to cover the surface of the affected toenails completely. Then, use the pointed tip of the dropper to spread the solution across the entire nail, including under the tip of the toenail. 
• Wash your hands after applying Kerydin.
• Allow the solution to dry for a couple of minutes before putting on socks or footwear. Do not wash off or wipe off the solution.

Be careful not to get Kerydin in the mouth, eyes, or vagina. If the drug comes in contact with your skin (other than the skin surrounding your infected toenails), wipe it off with a tissue.

Storage

Kerydin comes in a glass bottle. Store the bottle at room temperature (68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The bottle may be temporarily stored between 59 degrees and 86 degrees when necessary, such as when you’re traveling. The product is flammable, so keep it away from heat or open flame.

Be sure to close the bottle tightly after each use. Discard any unused product three months after first use.

What Are the Side Effects of Kerydin?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of using Kerydin may include:

• Redness, swelling, and itching of the nail or surrounding skin
• Skin peeling
• Irritation at the site of application
• Ingrown toenail

Severe Side Effects

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. If your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.

Allergic reactions can occur. The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction can include severe irritation, itching, or swelling at or near the application site.

Dosage: How Much Kerydin Should I Take?

Missed Dose

Toenail fungus can be a complicated infection to treat. So, it’s essential to use Kerydin every day for the best results. Missing doses can make the medication less effective.

Use Kerydin once a day at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. You shouldn’t apply extra amounts of Kerydin solution to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Kerydin?

An overdose of Kerydin is unlikely. There have been no reports of overdosage using this medication. However, you should be aware that the Kerydin solution contains alcohol. Be careful not to store your Kerydin bottle somewhere that pets or young children could get ahold of it.

Kerydin is a topical solution that you apply directly to the infected toenail. Be careful not to get Kerydin in the mouth, eyes, or vagina. If the drug comes in contact with your skin (besides the skin surrounding your infected toenails), wipe it off with a tissue.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Use Kerydin?

You should not use Kerydin if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients in the past.

If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before using Kerydin. It isn’t known if Kerydin may cause harm to a fetus.

Kerydin is not recommended for use in people who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.

What Other Medications Interact With Kerydin?

No drug interactions are known to occur with Kerydin. However, it is essential to avoid using nail polish or other nail cosmetics on the toenails treated with Kerydin. It isn't known if these products may affect how well Kerydin works.

What Medications are Similar to Kerydin?

Kerydin is an antifungal solution that you apply to toenail fungus. Other antifungal medications similar to Kerydin include:

• Topical Jublia (efinaconazole 10% solution)
• Topical Penlac (ciclopirox 8% nail lacquer): Penlac is a prescription-only antifungal solution that is also available in a generic version. 
• Topical over-the-counter antifungals, such as Fungi-Nail and Kerasal: These products may take several months to see improvement and may not be effective for everyone.

The medications on the list above are similar to Kerydin in that they are topical treatments. This means you apply them directly to the infected nails. Like Kerydin, they may take up to a year of consistent use to treat the infection. These treatments are not meant to be used in combination with Kerydin. If you have questions about trying an alternative to Kerydin, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Kerydin?

Toenail fungus can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Keep in mind that nail infections are common and notoriously difficult to treat. For best results, try to create a routine to remember to use Kerydin around the same time each day. If you miss doses, you may not get the full benefit from the medication. Ask your healthcare provider about other treatment options if you aren't seeing improvement in your toenails within a year.