Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer

What is Curanail?

Curanail 5% medicated nail lacquer contains the active ingredient amorolfine, which is an antifungal medication. Curanail is available to buy over-the-counter and online from pharmacies. It is manufactered by Galderma and is available in 3ml packs.

Curanail can be used by people over the age of 18 years and who are suffering from a mild fungal nail infection that is affecting the top and/or outer edges on 1 or 2 of their nails.

Curanail is painted onto the infected nail using the brush provided whereby it gets to work by soaking in through the nail to kill the fungus responsible for the infection.

Fungal nail infections can vary from person to person. Some people may find that they need to treat the infection with Curanail from 6-12 months. It is a good idea to take photos or record the presentation of your infected nails monthly so you can monitor progress.

To get the most from your Curanail treatment there certain steps that you can take:

• Cut your nails short, and file any thickened nail. (Use a separate nail file or pair of scissors to trim an infected nail and don’t share with other people).
• Avoid causing any irritation or damage to your nails.
• Try to avoid using artificial nails or any other nail varnishes on the nails you’re treating. (If you want to apply artificial nails or varnishes to your affected nails, wait at least 10 minutes after applying Curanail and ensure you remove the product before your next application).

What is Curanail used for?

Curanail is used to treat mild fungal nail infections which are categorised by how much of the nail is infected.

A mild fungal infection will typically only affect the outer edges and sides of 1-2 of your nails. If you have an infection that is moderate or severe and is infected a wider area or more than 1-2 nails you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss other treatment options.

What is a fungal nail infection?

A fungal nail infection most commonly affects the toenails but can also affect the fingernails too. Fungal nail infections rarely cause people discomfort or pain and can be easily treated especially if treatment is started when the infection is mild.

Fungal nail infections are most commonly caused by the same fungi that cause athletes foot. The fungi often cause the infected nail to become discoloured, brittle, thickened or distorted. If left untreated the nail may be destroyed and the surrounding skin can also become infected.

There are several different factors that can increase your chances of developing a fungal nail infection including living in a humid environment and smoking. For more information around advice and treatment please see our Fungal Nail Infection Treatment & Advice page.

How does Curanail work?

The active ingredient amorolfine included in Curanail destroys fungi and prevents further spread of infection of fungal nail infections. The amorolfine penetrates through the nail and creates tiny holes within the outer membranes of the fungi themselves, which results in the fungal cells leaking causing them to die.

For the best outcome from the use of Curanail it is important to ensure that, using the nail files provided, before each weekly application, you file down the infected nails. By filing the nail it allows for Curanail to absorb deeper into the nail.

How to use Curanail

Curanail should be used in 4 easy steps. For more information about how to use Curanail, please go to the 'Directions' section on this page.

Does Curanail work?

Curanail has been proven to be effective in the treatment of mild fungal nail infections in 85% of fingernail infections and 76% of toenail infections.

It is important to you Curanail as directed for best results. Nails grow slowly and it can take up to a couple of months before you notice any improvement. Curanail may take between 6-12 months in some people to completely clear the infection.

You should continue to use Curanail once a week until you are satisfied that your whole nail has grown back healthily. Stopping too soon may result in the nail becoming reinfected.

Before starting treatment with Curanail you must ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Curanail side effects

Curanail, like other medication, has some side effects associated with it. Not everyone will, however, experience side effects.

When using Curanail as directed, side effects are rare. For more information on side effects, see our Curanail side effects section.

You must also ensure that you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before commencing treatment with any new medication.

Sources

• https://www.curanail.co.uk/
• https://patient.info/medicine/amorolfine-for-fungal-nail-infections-loceryl-curanail-omicur
• https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/fungal-infections-of-the-nails/
• Curanail Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9436/pil

For the full list of warnings and precautions associated with Curanail please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Curanail warnings

• Curanail is only suitable for those who are over 18 years old with mild fungal nail infections.
• You should only use Curanail if 1-2 of your nails are infected.
• You should not use Curanail if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You should not use Curanail nail if you are diabetic, have poor circulation or have a weakened immune system.

Curanail pregnancy & breastfeeding

Curanail is not suitable for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are concerned about a fungal nail infection you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Curanail is for the external use only, to be applied directly to the toe or fingernail. Curanail is suitable for use in those over the age of 18 years.

How to use Curanail

Curanail should be applied once a week and is waterproof and soap proof so there is no need to reapply.

Adults, including the elderly and children 18 years and over:

Step 1: Prepare the Nail

Using a new file, gently file down the infected areas of nail, including the nail surface. Protect any healthy nails while you are doing this so that you don't spread the infection. CAUTION: Do not use the same nail file for infected nails and healthy nails, as this could spread the infection as well. To prevent the spread of infection take care that no one else uses the files from your kit.

Step 2: Clean the nail

Use one of the swabs provided, to clean the nail surface. Do not throw the swab away as you will need it later to clean the applicator.

Step 3: Treat the nail

Dip one of the re-usable applicators into the bottle of Curanail nail lacquer. The lacquer must not be wiped off on the edge of the bottle before it is applied. Apply the lacquer. Apply the nail lacquer evenly over the entire surface of the nail. Allow to dry. Let the treated nail(s) dry for approximately 3 minutes.

Step 4: Clean the applicator

You can use the applicators provided more than once. However, it is important to clean them thoroughly each time so that you don't spread the infection. Use the same swab you used for cleaning your nails. Don't touch the newly treated nails with the swab. Close the Curanail nail lacquer bottle tightly. Dispose of the swab carefully as it is inflammable.

Before using the Curanail nail lacquer again, first remove the old lacquer from your nails using a swab, then file down the nails again if necessary.

Re-apply the lacquer as described above.

When dry the nail lacquer is unaffected by soap and water, so you can wash your hands and feet as normal. If you need to use chemicals such as paint thinners or white spirit, rubber or other impermeable (waterproof) gloves should be worn to protect the lacquer on your fingernails.

It is important to carry on using the Curanail nail lacquer until the infection has cleared and healthy nails have grown back. This usually takes 6 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails. You will see a healthy nail growing as the diseased nail grows out.

It is important that you continue the treatment without interruption until the infected section of nail has completely grown out, otherwise the infection will just come back. The hardest part may remembering to apply Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer Amorolfine Treatment each week. It will help to apply Curanail on the same day each week and write the date of use on a diary card or on the box, to help to keep a running check of when you used to medicine. In general Curanail can take six months treatment to clear up a fingernail infection and nine to twelve months for toenail infections.

Curanail ingredients

Active ingredients:

Curanail contains 50 mg/ml (5%) of amorolfine (equivalent to 6.4% amorolfine hydrochloride).

Inactive ingredients:

Ammonio methacrylate copolymer A, triacetin, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and ethanol.

Curanail side effects

Like other medication, some people may experience side effects when using Curanail. It is rare to experience side effects when Curanail is used as directed.

If you are experiencing side effects you should stop using Curanail straight away. If you feel the side effects are worsening, your condition is worsening or your side effects are serious you should also seek advice from a doctor.

The most common side effect that people have reported is:

• A burning sensation around the area Curanail is applied

Please note this is not an exhaustive list of side effects. It is essential that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly prior to starting treatment.