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Overview: Tavaborole is a topical liquid used on toenails to treat fungal infections. The most common side effects are skin reactions where the product is applied and ingrown toenails. It is not known if using nail polish or other cosmetic nail products will affect how tavaborole works.

Uses

What is tavaborole used for?

Tavaborole is commonly used to treat fungal toenail infection (also known as onychomycosis).

Tavaborole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does tavaborole work (mechanism of action)?

Tavaborole is an antifungal medicine. It works by stopping certain types of fungi from making proteins they need to grow and multiply.

How is tavaborole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Kerydin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5% topical solution

How should I store tavaborole?

Tavaborole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not expose it to heat or flames. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw it away three months after you first put the dropper into the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tavaborole?

The most common side effects of tavaborole are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions (see below)
  • Ingrown toenail

There may be other side effects of tavaborole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tavaborole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tavaborole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tavaborole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tavaborole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Tavaborole may cause reactions such as peeling, reddening, itching, swelling, or rash where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any reaction at the treated area that does not go away.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use tavaborole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use tavaborole.

  • Kerydin
  • Tavaborole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tavaborole products they stock.

What should I know about tavaborole before using it?

Do not use tavaborole unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share tavaborole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep tavaborole out of the reach of children.

Tavaborole is for use on toenails. Keep tavaborole away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. 

Avoid heat or flames (including smoking) while using tavaborole. Do not expose the container to heat or flames. The contents are flammable.

Clean and dry your toenail before applying tavaborole. Apply and spread tavaborole to cover the entire toenail up to the edges of the toenail including the tip and its underside. If tavaborole gets on the surrounding skin, wipe it off the skin using a tissue.

After applying tavaborole, allow the treated area to completely dry. This may take a few minutes.

It is not known if using nail polish or other cosmetic nail products will affect how tavaborole works.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tavaborole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if tavaborole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tavaborole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tavaborole passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use tavaborole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does tavaborole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tavaborole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tavaborole, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does tavaborole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical tavaborole and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tavaborole?

If you or someone else has used too much tavaborole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of tavaborole?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Do not use tavaborole more often than prescribed.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of tavaborole, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to tavaborole or other similar medicines.