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.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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.
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 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 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.
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
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.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.