Tavaborole Topical
Brand Name(s): Kerydin®
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Tavaborole topical solution is used to treat fungal toenail infections (infections that may cause nail discoloration, splitting, or pain). Tavaborole topical solution is in a class of medications called antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of nail fungus.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Tavaborole comes as a topical solution to apply to the toenails. It is usually applied once a day for 48 weeks. Apply tavaborole topical solution at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use tavaborole topical solution exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tavaborole topical solution is only for use on the affected toenails. Try not to get tavaborole anywhere on your skin except for the area right around your affected toenails. Do not get tavaborole in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.
Tavaborole topical solution may catch fire. Stay away from heat and flames while you are applying this medication.
To apply the topical solution, follow these steps:
- Make sure that your toenails are clean and dry.
- Before you apply tavaborole topical solution for the first time, remove the cap from the bottle and dispose of it. Unwrap the dropper and insert it in the bottle.
- Squeeze the dropper bulb and then loosen your grip to fill the dropper with medication.
- Hold the dropper over your affected toenail and squeeze the bulb slowly to release enough medication to cover your entire toenail. You might need to use more than one drop.
- Use the tip of the dropper to spread the medication so that it covers your entire toenail.
- Place the tip of the dropper under the tip of your toenail and squeeze the bulb to apply the medication to the skin under your toenail. Use the tip of the dropper to spread the medicine under your toenail.
- If you get any medication on the skin around your toenail, wipe it off with a tissue. Do not wipe the medication off of your toenail.
- If you have more than one affected toenail, repeat steps 3-7 to apply the medication to each affected toenail.
- Put the dropper tip back in the bottle of medication and screw it on tightly.
- Allow your toenails to dry for a few minutes.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using tavaborole topical solution,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tavaborole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tavaborole topical solution. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using tavaborole topical solution, call your doctor.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra solution to make up for a missed dose.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Tavaborole topical solution may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- peeling, redness, itching, or swelling of the skin around the affected toenail(s)
- ingrown toenail
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from open flames, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose of your medication 3 months after you put the dropper in the bottle.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: March 15, 2017.