Tavaborole vs. Efinaconazole for Nail Fungus: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Tavaborole

Jublia

(efinaconazole)

Summary for Tavaborole

Prescription only

Tavaborole is a topical antifungal used to treat toenail fungus in people 6 years and older. It comes as a 5% solution applied directly to the entire toenail once a day for almost a year. Side effects aren't common, but can include redness and peeling at the application site. Though the brand-name medication Kerydin is no longer available, the generic version is.

Indications for Tavaborole

Toenail fungus in people 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Tavaborole

Pros

Used just once a day
Applied directly to the toenail(s)
Fewer side effects compared to oral antifungals

Cons

Doesn't work as well as other antifungals
Can be messy to apply
Must be used for almost a year

Common Side Effects for Tavaborole

Skin peeling (3%)
Ingrown toenail (3%)
Redness (2%)

Summary for Efinaconazole

Prescription only

Jublia (efinaconazole) is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat toenail fungus in people 6 years and older. It comes as a topical solution that you apply once a day directly to the affected toenail and the skin around it. Treatment usually lasts for almost a year. Common side effects include ingrown toenail and redness, itching, or irritation at the application site.