Brand Penlac 8%

This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It is used as part of a treatment program that includes the removal of unattached, infected nails by a health care professional as frequently as once a month. Ciclopirox is an antifungal drug that works by stopping the growth of fungus.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ciclopirox lacquer and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions about the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail material using nail clippers or a file. If you have diabetes or numbness in your fingers/toes, talk to your doctor before filing or trimming your own nails. It may be safer for your doctor to file or remove your nails. Apply ciclopirox usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Using the applicator provided, apply this medication to the entire affected nail, the nail bed, and a small area of skin close to the nail (up to 5 millimeters or 1/5 of an inch, all the way around). If the applicator can reach the undersurface of the nail and the skin under the nail, apply the medication to those areas as well. Avoid contact with skin that is not right next to the affected nail. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes, nose or mouth. Let dry for 30 seconds before putting on socks or stockings. Do not wash the treated area for at least 8 hours. Each day, apply the dose over the previous coat of medication. Every seventh day, remove the medication from the nail by applying alcohol, trim the nail, and file away loose nail material. Do not use this product near heat or open flame. Do not use nail polish or other cosmetic nail products on nails that are being treated. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may not cure the infection, allowing the fungus to return. It may take up to 6 months of treatment with removal of infected nails by a health care professional to notice an improvement. It may take up to one year to see a clear or almost clear nail. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after six months of treatment.

Before using ciclopirox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (e.g., due to organ transplant, HIV), frequent outbreaks of herpes, persistent/frequent fungal skin infections, infections over a large area of skin, diabetes, nerve problems (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), anti-seizure medicines (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), severe athletes foot (plantar/moccasin tinea pedis). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroid use (oral, inhaled, or on your skin such as prednisone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone), other products applied to the skin. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Skin burning at the application site, redness of the skin surrounding the nail, changes in the shape of the nail, ingrown toenails, or changes in nail color may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if blistering, swelling, or oozing occur. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. To protect the bottle from light, return the bottle to the carton after each use. To prevent the cap from sticking to the bottle, avoid getting the medication on the bottle threads. Do not store in the bathroom or near heat/open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.