Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer
Amorolfine
Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer is a once weekly treatment for mild fungal nail infections - for up to two nails - that is now available from the pharmacy.
Curanail contains the active ingredient amorolfine, an effective antifungal agent previously only available on prescription. Curanail kills a wide range of different fungi that can cause nail infections. This means that, for the majority of sufferers, Curanail can actually cure the infection.
In addition, Curanail comes in the form of a nail lacquer (like a nail varnish), which only needs to be applied once a week. This combination of effectiveness and convenience makes Curanail a first choice over the counter treatment for mild fungal nail infection.
Each Curanail pack contains:
- 3ml bottle (approximately 3 months' supply) of lacquer
- Cleansing swabs
- Reusable applicators
- Nail files
How effective is it?
Amorolfine nail lacquer is an effective treatment that has been shown to clear 85% of fungal infections of the fingernails and 76% of toenail infections (defined as clinical cure plus improvement) with 6 months treatment. Treatment for a fingernail infection is expected to take 6 months (the time for a new nail to re-grow) and about 9-12 months for an infection of the toenail.
Who can use Curanail?
You can use Curanail to treat a mild fungal nail infection if:
you are aged over 18
you have a mild infection
infection affects up to two nails
the infection shows up on the upper half or sides of the nail.
Who cannot use Curanail?
Curanail should NOT be used by:
- those aged under 18
- women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- anyone who has ever suffered an allergic reaction to amorolfine or any of the other ingredients in Curanail
- those with severe nail infections
- those with an infection affecting more than two nails
If these apply to you, you should see a doctor or podiatrist.
People with diabetes, a weak immune system or poor blood circulation should check with their doctor or pharmacist before using Curanail.
How do I use it?
Curanail comes in a pack containing a small bottle of lacquer, cleansing swabs, reusable applicators and nail files. Nails should be treated ONCE A WEEK.
Curanail involves a simple 3 step process:
Step 1: Prepare the nail
Using a new file, gently file down the infected areas of nail, including the nail surface. Protect any healthy nails while you are doing this so that you don't spread the infection.
CAUTION: Do not use the same nail file for infected nails and healthy nails, as this could spread the infection as well. To prevent the spread of infection take care that no one else uses the files from your kit.
Step 2: Clean the nail
Use one of the swabs provided to clean the nail surface. Do not throw the swab away as you will need it later to clean the applicator.
Step 3: Treat the nail
Dip one of the re-usable applicators into the bottle of nail lacquer. The lacquer must not be wiped off on the edge of the bottle before it is applied. Apply the nail lacquer evenly over the entire surface of the nail. Let the treated nail(s) dry for approximately 3 minutes.
INFORMATION LEAFLET
Before using Curanail, you should read the information leaflet (included inside the pack) carefully and familiarise yourself with the contents. Speak to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
How long does it take to work?
Treatment of mild fungal nail infections may take time, because the nail has to grow out before the infection is completely cured.
For this reason, it is very important that you continue to use Curanail once weekly until the infection has cleared and a healthy nail has grown back. This takes about 6 months for fingernails and around 9 to 12 months for toenails.
Sticking to treatment
Some tips to help inspire you to continue with treatment include:
- Making use of the nail templates which will be provided in the pack along with Curanail. These are drawings of nails for you to fill in to help you chart your progress and draw attention to even the small changes in nail condition.
- Using a diary card
- Picking a day to always apply treatment and trying to build it into a routine – for example, following a regular sporting activity or after bathing
- Putting a reminder in your diary to see a healthcare professional (e.g. pharmacist, doctor or podiatrist) every 3 months for a treatment review. This will be vital to monitor your progress and check that Curanail is working for you.
Are there any side effects?
Fortunately side effects with Curanail are uncommon.
- Very rarely, there may be a slight burning sensation around the nails after application, but this soon wears off
- When using Curanail you should not wear nail varnish or artificial nails as they may stop the treatment from working properly
- Take care to avoid the lacquer coming into contact with eyes, ears, mouth or nose.
Where can I get it?
Curanail is available from your pharmacist, without the need for an appointment or a prescription.
The pharmacist will need to ask you a few questions to make sure:
- you have the type of fungal nail infection that can be treated in the pharmacy (e.g. mild infection)
- Curanail is a suitable treatment for you (e.g. you don’t have medical conditions that mean the treatment is unsuitable)
In some cases, the pharmacist may need to refer you to your doctor for further advice.
Because the ingredient in Curanail has been reclassified from a prescription medicine to one that is available over the pharmacy counter, the pharmacist will need to ask you questions before supplying it to you so he or she can be sure it is the right treatment for you.
Treatment review
Because treatment is long term, you will need to speak to the pharmacist, podiatrist (also called chiropodist) or GP about how you are getting on with the treatment before buying the next pack of Curanail.
This is a progress check to make sure that the treatment is working and that your nail is improving – you can use the nail templates in the pack to help you monitor progress.
The treatment review is also a good opportunity to check that you are using the lacquer correctly and to ask any questions you may have about your treatment.
PLEASE READ THE LEAFLET BEFORE USE
Precaution
Do not store above 30'C
Protect from heat
Keep the bottle tightly closed after use
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
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