Tavaborole

What is Tavaborole?

Tavaborole is a topical treatment specifically designed to treat onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the nails. This infection is usually caused by different types of fungi, including dermatophytes (fungi that live on the skin), yeasts, and molds.^[1] It often makes your nails look discolored, thick, and misshapen, which can be uncomfortable.

Onychomycosis can spread through direct contact with infected nails, or with surfaces that have been contaminated, like showers or changing room floors. This type of infection is more common in people with risk factors like diabetes, older age, or a weakened immune system.

Tavaborole is usually prescribed for mild to moderate nail fungus infections caused by specific fungi called Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It’s a good option for people who prefer a topical solution (applied directly to the nail) over oral medications, which can sometimes have side effects that affect the whole body.

How does Tavaborole work?

Tavaborole works by stopping an essential enzyme in the fungal cells called leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS). This enzyme is what helps the fungal cells reproduce, as it creates proteins to help the fungus grow.

By blocking this enzyme, Tavaborole disrupts the fungal cells’ growth, which eventually leads to the cells breaking down and dying. As the fungal cells can’t grow or replicate, the infection clears.

Tavaborole is specifically formulated to go through the ‘plate’ of your nail. This makes sure that the treatment reaches the fungal cells in your nail bed.

What forms of Tavaborole are there?

There is only one form of Tavaborole, the Tavaborole 5% topical solution. This just means that each milliliter of the solution contains 43.5 mg (5% w/w) of tavaborole.

At the moment, you can’t get Tavaborole in any other form to treat a fungal nail infection. So if you try Tavaborole and it doesn’t work, you’ll likely be recommended an alternative medication.

How to use Tavaborole

You should use Tavaborole exactly as your clinician advises. As a general rule, Tavaborole should be applied to your entire infected toenail plate, as well as under the tip of each toenail that’s being treated.

You will normally apply Tavaborole once a day for 48 weeks. There isn’t enough evidence to say for sure whether nail polish changes the efficacy of Tavaborole, but to avoid any irritation or spreading of the fungus, it’s best to avoid painting your nails until the infection has cleared.

Your nails should be clean and dry before you apply Tavaborole. Only use the provided dropper to apply the solution, and don’t use it for anything else. Let the solution dry completely, and avoid letting it touch the skin that isn’t around the infected nail. If you do get any on your skin, just wipe it off, making sure to avoid wiping any off of the affected areas.

Always wash your hands with soap and water after applying Tavaborole.

How long does Tavaborole take to work?

Fungal infections can take a long time to clear up. And as a topical treatment, Tavaborole can be a longer process. You will normally use it for at least 48 weeks.