Talking Toenail Fungus: What You Need to Know

(BPT) - This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shining the spotlight on a topic we usually shy away from: fungus. October 1^st through 5^th is the CDC’s Fungal Disease Awareness Week, bringing attention to fungal diseases and the importance of their early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. As Fungal Disease Awareness Week focuses on a broad range of infections, it’s important to recognize the ways that fungal disease can affect even the smallest parts of the body – right down to the tips of the toes.

In fact, as many as 35 million Americans – nearly 11 percent of the U.S. population – suffer from toenail fungus.^1,2

In recognition of Fungal Disease Awareness Week, here are some of the key facts to know about toenail fungus:

• Anyone can get toenail fungus, but age, health and lifestyle can put you at greater risk. Patients with weakened or suppressed immune systems due to illness or medication and those with poor circulation or diabetes are at increased risk³
• Early stage forms of toenail fungus are usually painless, but if the fungus is left to grow and worsen, it can become painful, especially when wearing shoes³
• Permanent toenail damage is a complication of a fungal infection, and serious infections can even spread beyond the toe⁴
• There are several different treatments for nail fungus, including antifungal pills, nail removal, and medicines applied to the nail³

When it comes to treatment, however, motivation and adherence are often key.

“For patients with toenail fungus, a long term treatment, which is typically a year due to how the nails grow, is important in treating the infection,” said Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, Professor, Department of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University. “To increase your chances of getting rid of toenail fungus for good, it’s important to keep all follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner and use your treatment as prescribed.”

One way to help ensure you stick with your treatment plan is by utilizing mobile apps to keep you on track. For patients using JUBLIA^® (efinaconazole) topical solution, 10% to treat their toenail fungus, the JubliApp mobile app is a helpful tool designed to help encourage compliance with treatment. The app offers treatment reminders, the ability to take photos and track your progress over time, and a game to keep patients engaged while the daily application is drying, helping to make the 48-week long therapy less intimidating. To download the app, visit the App Store on an iOS device or Google Play on an Android mobile device and search “JubliApp^TM” or “Jublia^®” and click “Get” to download.

To learn more about toenail fungus and potential treatment options, talk to your healthcare provider, and to read more about Fungal Disease Awareness Week, visit the CDC website. For more information about JUBLIA and complete prescribing information, visit https://www.jubliarx.com/.

Indication

JUBLIA^® (efinaconazole) Topical Solution, 10% is a prescription medicine used to treat fungal infections of the toenails.

Important Safety Information

• JUBLIA is for use on nails and surrounding skin only. Do not use JUBLIA in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. Use it exactly as instructed by your doctor.
• It is not known whether JUBLIA is effective in children.
• Before you use JUBLIA, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you are or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed, because it is not known whether JUBLIA can harm an unborn fetus or nursing infant.
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, and whether you have any other nail infections.
• JUBLIA is flammable. Avoid heat and flame while applying JUBLIA to your toenail.
• JUBLIA may cause irritation at the treated site. The most common side effects include: ingrown toenail, redness, itching, swelling, burning or stinging, blisters, and pain. Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click here for full prescribing information.

References

1. Joseph, W. et al. (2013). Onychomycosis and the Role of Topical Antifungals. Podiatry Today (supplement). Retrieved from https://www.podiatrytoday.com/files/Valeant_Supplement.pdf. Accessed September 7, 2018.
2. United States Census. U.S. and World Population Clock. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/popclock/. Accessed September 7, 2018.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Nail Fungus. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/nail-fungus#overview. Accessed September 6, 2018.
4. The Mayo Clinic. Nail Fungus. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294. Accessed September 6, 2018.

JUBLIA is a trademark of Ortho Dermatologics’ affiliated entities.

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