Why is this medication prescribed?

Tavaborole is a topical medication prescribed for the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. Onychomycosis is typically caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can infect the nails and surrounding skin. Tavaborole works by inhibiting the synthesis of fungal proteins, ultimately disrupting the growth and survival of the fungi.

How should this medicine be used?

To use Tavaborole Topical:

• Clean the affected nail(s): Before applying the medication, clean the affected nail(s) with soap and water, and ensure they are completely dry.
• Apply a thin layer: Use the applicator brush provided with the medication to apply a thin layer of Tavaborole to the affected nail(s) and the surrounding skin. It’s important to cover the entire nail surface and the edges of the nail.
• Allow it to dry: Allow the medication to dry completely before covering the treated area with clothing or footwear. This usually takes a few minutes.
• Frequency of application: Tavaborole is typically applied once daily. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider. The duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the fungal infection.
• Continue treatment: It is important to continue using Tavaborole as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start to see improvement. Fungal infections can be persistent, and stopping treatment prematurely may lead to a recurrence.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Be cautious to avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area with water.
• Inform your healthcare provider: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you are taking. This is important to ensure there are no potential interactions.

It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and use the medication as directed. If you have any questions or concerns about the use of Tavaborole Topical, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for clarification.

Other uses for this medicine

Tavaborole Topical is primarily indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), and its usage for other conditions is not established. It’s essential to use the medication only as prescribed by your healthcare provider and for the specified purpose.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to be taken while using Tavaborole Topical include:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to tavaborole or any other ingredients in the formulation.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Tavaborole with your healthcare provider. The safety of Tavaborole during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well studied, and your healthcare provider will weigh the potential risks against the benefits.
• Pediatric use: The safety and efficacy of Tavaborole in children under the age of 18 have not been established. Consult with your healthcare provider before using this medication in pediatric patients.
• Application to open wounds or broken skin: Avoid applying Tavaborole to open wounds, cuts, or broken skin. If there are any skin conditions or injuries in the treated area, consult with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
• Eye contact: Take care to avoid contact with the eyes. If the medication comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Use on infected nails only: Tavaborole is specifically designed for fungal nail infections, and its efficacy for other types of nail conditions may be limited.
• Interaction with other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements, that you are taking. This is crucial to prevent potential interactions.
• Adherence to treatment plan: Use Tavaborole as directed by your healthcare provider. Complete the entire course of treatment even if improvement is observed to prevent the recurrence of the fungal infection.

If you have any concerns or experience unexpected side effects while using Tavaborole Topical, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Dietary Instructions:

• Food Intake: Tasmar can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce the risk of nausea, a common side effect.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol consumption may exacerbate the risk of liver problems. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Tasmar.
• Tyramine-Rich Foods: While there are no specific dietary restrictions with Tasmar, patients taking levodopa, which is often used in combination with Tasmar, may be advised to moderate their intake of tyramine-rich foods. These include aged cheeses, certain meats, and fermented or pickled products.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to apply a dose of Tavaborole Topical, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tavaborole Topical, like any medication, may cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary. Common side effects of Tavaborole Topical include:

• Ingrown toenail: This is a common side effect, and it may occur in the treated nail. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your healthcare provider.
• Application site reactions: Some individuals may experience mild irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation at the site where the medication is applied.
• Contact dermatitis: Allergic reactions or skin sensitivities may lead to contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and rash. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

It’s important to note that serious systemic side effects are rare with topical antifungal medications like Tavaborole, as the drug is primarily applied to the affected nail and doesn’t enter the bloodstream in significant amounts.

If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using Tavaborole Topical, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or recommend alternative options.

It’s also important to inform your healthcare provider of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking, as this information can help them assess the potential for side effects and interactions with Tavaborole.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage of Tavaborole Topical:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep Tavaborole Topical at room temperature, away from excessive heat or direct sunlight.
• Protect from freezing: Do not freeze the medication.
• Keep the container tightly closed: Ensure that the cap or lid of the Tavaborole container is tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of reach of children: Store the medication in a location that is out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store in the bathroom: Avoid storing Tavaborole in the bathroom, as the humidity and temperature changes in this environment can affect the stability of the medication.

Disposal of Tavaborole Topical:

• Follow local regulations: Dispose of Tavaborole Topical according to local regulations for medication disposal. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal.
• Do not flush down the toilet: Avoid flushing Tavaborole or other medications down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.
• Unused or expired medication: If you have unused or expired Tavaborole, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the appropriate disposal method.

In case of emergency/overdose

In the unlikely event of an overdose or if the medication is accidentally ingested, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. If possible, have the medication packaging or container with you to provide information about the product.

What other information should I know?

• Follow the prescribed treatment plan: Use Tavaborole Topical as directed by your healthcare provider. Complete the entire course of treatment, even if the fungal infection appears to improve before the scheduled end of treatment.
• Regular follow-up: Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider as scheduled. They can assess the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
• Avoid sharing the medication: Tavaborole is prescribed for your specific condition. Do not share it with others.
• Inform healthcare providers: Inform other healthcare providers, such as dentists and surgeons, about your use of Tavaborole Topical, especially if you are scheduled for any procedures.
• Consult with your healthcare provider: If you have any concerns, questions, or experience unexpected side effects while using Tavaborole, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Remember that the information provided here is general, and it’s important to follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider and on the medication packaging.