How to Apply Jublia, Plus 4 More Tips for Using This Nail Fungus Treatment

Does toenail fungus (onychomycosis) have you dreading sandal season? You’re not alone. Fungal nail infections affect about 1 in 7 of the U.S. population. And toenails are more commonly impacted than fingernails. Thankfully, effective treatments exist for toenail fungus.

Jublia (efinaconazole) is a prescription treatment for toenail fungus that’s applied directly to the nails and skin. It works better for these infections than over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals. And it can be a possible alternative to taking an oral medication, like terbinafine tablets.

But, using it correctly helps you get the full benefit. Here’s what you should know about how to apply Jublia, plus a few more tips for success.

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1. There are steps to follow to make sure you’re applying Jublia correctly

You should apply Jublia to clean, dry toenails. Wait at least 10 minutes after showering, bathing, or washing your feet before you apply it.

To get the most from your treatment, follow these steps when applying Jublia:

• Remove the cap from the bottle.

• Turn the bottle upside down to moisten the applicator brush. Hold it directly over the toenail you are treating.

• Brush one drop of Jublia onto the affected toenail using the applicator brush. If you’re treating the big toe, you’ll need to brush a second drop onto the end of the nail.

• Gently brush Jublia over the entire affected toenail and skin around it. This includes the cuticle, folds of the skin on the sides of the toenail, and underneath the end of the nail.

• Avoid squeezing the bottle and rubbing or pressing firmly with the applicator. If needed, you can turn the bottle upside down again to re-moisten the applicator brush.

• After applying Jublia to the affected toenails, let it dry completely before covering your feet with socks or shoes.

• Put the cap back on the bottle and store the bottle upright.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you’ve finished applying Jublia.

Good to know: You don’t need to remove Jublia from your nails using nail polish remover. Just clean your feet using soap and water before each application.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Compare options: Jublia is one of a few options for treating toenail fungal infections. Read about the available treatments for toenail fungus.

• About nail fungus: Fungal nail infections are common and typically don’t resolve on their own without treatment. Read about nail fungus, complete with pictures of what it may look like.

• Natural remedies: Some people prefer to try natural remedies for toenail fungus. However, these are typically less effective than conventional medication options.

2. Be sure to apply Jublia for the entire recommended treatment time

Jublia takes time to work. It’s recommended to apply it once a day for 48 weeks (about 11 months). Stopping treatment sooner can cause your toenail infection to come back and be more difficult to treat.

It’s best to apply Jublia around the same time every day. It might be helpful to insert it into a part of your daily routine to help you stay consistent. Pick a time of day or activity that’s easy to remember, like before bedtime or after a morning shower.

If you forget to use Jublia at your usual time, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose. Don’t apply extra solution to try to make up for missed doses. If you’ve missed a lot of doses, reach out to your prescriber for guidance. They may recommend extending treatment time or switching to a different medication.

3. Don’t use more Jublia than recommended

You should only apply Jublia once a day as directed. Applying extra solution or using it more than once a day won’t make it more effective. But it will waste medication.

How long your bottle of Jublia will last depends on how many toenails you’re treating. A 4 mL Jublia bottle contains about 80 drops of medication. As discussed earlier, you’ll need to use one drop of medication per affected toenail each day. And if you’re treating the big toenail, you’ll need two drops per day. So if you’re just treating the big toe on one foot, a bottle of Jublia should last you about 40 days.

To get the most out of every Jublia bottle, use only the recommended amount. Apply just enough solution to fully cover the affected toenail and the skin around it. Use gentle pressure when applying Jublia. And avoid squeezing the bottle at the same time that you’re brushing the solution onto your toenails.

4. You shouldn’t wear nail polish while using Jublia

Yes, toenail fungus can be unsightly. But you should keep your toenails bare during Jublia treatment. Avoid getting pedicures, using nail polish, or covering your nails with any type of cosmetic product.

Some studies suggest doing this is unlikely to cause problems. But these studies were conducted on the fingernails (not toenails) of deceased people that weren’t infected. Overall, the use of cosmetic nail products during Jublia treatment in live humans hasn’t been well studied. Experts are unsure whether nail polish or other cosmetic items could impact Jublia’s effectiveness.

The good news is that you can still cover your toes with socks and shoes. Just be sure that your application of Jublia has fully dried first.

5. You should store Jublia at room temperature

You should store Jublia upright, in its original bottle, and at room temperature (68°F to 77°F). Avoid storing it in places with excess heat and moisture, such as the bathroom. Make sure the cap is always screwed on tightly to keep the solution inside from spilling or evaporating.

You should also take steps to protect Jublia from extreme temperatures. The medication may not work as well if it freezes or overheats. This may be top of mind while traveling. Storing your Jublia bottle in the trunk of a car or in a checked airline baggage could expose it to freezing or very hot temperatures.

There’s another reason that heat is a concern for Jublia storage — the solution contains alcohol. This means that it’s flammable. So don’t apply Jublia near candles, lanterns, or other open flames. Luckily, this isn’t the case once the solution fully dries after application. Your toenails won’t be flammable, and you can relax next to the campfire without worry.

How to save on Jublia

There are ways to save on Jublia, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx savings, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a bottle of Jublia at an exclusive cash price of $100.

• Save with a copay savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for Jublia using a savings card from the manufacturer. But if Jublia isn’t covered, or if you’re uninsured, you may be able to pay as little as $65 for your prescription.

• Save with patient assistance programs: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Jublia’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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