Key takeaways:
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a prescription topical solution that treats fungal toenail infections. Jublia works by weakening fungal cell walls, which prevents the fungus from growing.
You apply Jublia to your infected toenail(s) once daily for 48 weeks (about 11 months). It’s typically tolerated well, but side effects can include ingrown toenails or irritation where you apply it.
Jublia works best if you use it for the full 48 weeks, even if your nails clear up earlier. This helps prevent the infection from returning. But keep in mind that many people don’t get a complete cure with topical treatments.
There are ways to save on Jublia. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you access Jublia for as little as $0 per month.
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Have you noticed changes in your toenails, such as thickening, discoloration, or a crumbly texture? While nail changes can be harmless, some are symptoms of a toenail fungus infection. This common infection happens when fungi affect the nail and surrounding area, making nails yellow, brittle, or loose.
Fungal toenail infections can be very difficult to get rid of. Treatment options include oral antifungals or topical solutions. One option you might try is Jublia (efinaconazole), a topical solution applied directly to the nail.
If you’re prescribed Jublia, you probably have questions about how it works and what to expect during treatment. Below, we’ll answer these and other common questions about Jublia.
1. How does Jublia work for toenail fungus?
Jublia is a topical nail polish that treats fungal nail infections. It belongs to a group of medications called azole antifungals. Jublia works by blocking an enzyme (protein) that forms the cell wall of the fungus. This weakens fungus cells and prevents them from growing.
2. How do you use Jublia for toenail fungus?
You can apply Jublia to the affected nail once daily for 48 weeks (about 11 months). When applying, use the Jublia brush to cover the entire nail, nail bed, and surrounding skin, as well as underneath the nail tip.
Wash and dry your feet with soap and water before you apply Jublia. Wait at least 10 minutes after you shower, bathe, or wash your feet to apply it. Let Jublia dry completely after you apply it before putting on socks or shoes. Unlike some other topical nail fungus treatments, you don’t need to remove the old layer of Jublia before your next application.
3. Is Jublia available over the counter?
No, Jublia is only available as a brand-name prescription medication. It comes in two sizes: 4 mL and 8 mL bottles. Each bottle contains a 10% efinaconazole topical solution.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams or powders usually don’t work for stubborn nail fungus infections. That’s because they can’t penetrate the nail to fight the fungus growing beneath it.
4. How long does it take for Jublia to work?
Fungal toenail infections take time to treat, so patience is key. You may notice some improvement after a few months. But you should still use Jublia for the full 48 weeks to prevent the infection from coming back.
Even with consistent use for 48 weeks, it’s possible that Jublia may not clear your infection. In clinical studies, Jublia cured the toenail fungus for over 50% of people using it. But the toenails only completely returned to normal for about 16% of the participants.
The bottom line is that results can vary. But if Jublia isn’t effective for you, there are other treatment options to consider — more on that later.
5. What are the side effects of using Jublia for nail fungus?
Jublia is typically very well tolerated. But side effects can include:
Ingrown toenails
Nail discoloration
Redness
Itching
Burning or stinging
Blisters
Toenail fungus treatments: Jublia (efinaconazole) is one of a few options for treating toenail fungal infections. Read about the available treatments for toenail fungus.
Nail fungus 101: Fungal nail infections are common and typically don’t resolve on their own without treatment. Read more about nail fungus, along 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.
Let your prescriber know if any side effects you experience from Jublia don’t go away or get worse.
6. Are there any other alternatives to Jublia?
Yes, there are several topical Jublia alternatives, such as ciclopirox and tavaborole. Both are applied directly to the affected nails for 48 weeks. Researchers have not directly compared Jublia to these alternatives in clinical studies. But a lower percentage of people were cured of their fungal infection in clinical studies using these medications.
Oral Lamisil (terbinafine) is also commonly prescribed for toenail fungus. You’ll take it once daily for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you’re treating a fingernail or toenail. Lamisil cures toenail fungus about 70% of the time. But it can cause liver problems, so it isn’t the best choice for everyone.
How to save on Jublia
Insurance coverage for Jublia varies significantly by plan. And it’s not covered by Medicare prescription drug plans. But there are ways to save on Jublia, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between copay savings cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.
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 a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Jublia’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
No, Jublia is designed for once daily use only. Applying it more often isn’t likely to treat your nail fungus faster, but it may raise the risk of skin irritation and other side effects. You’ll also go through the bottle much faster, which can get expensive. To get the most out of your treatment (and money), it’s best to stick with the once-daily schedule unless directed otherwise by your prescriber.
Nail polish won’t interfere with Jublia’s effects. But it’s likely that Jublia will change the color or quality of your nail polish. So it’s best to avoid nail polish while you’re using it.
Yes, Jublia contains alcohol, which makes it a flammable substance. So it’s important to keep the medication away from heat and open flames. A good general rule is to store medication in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
No, Jublia is designed for once daily use only. Applying it more often isn’t likely to treat your nail fungus faster, but it may raise the risk of skin irritation and other side effects. You’ll also go through the bottle much faster, which can get expensive. To get the most out of your treatment (and money), it’s best to stick with the once-daily schedule unless directed otherwise by your prescriber.
Nail polish won’t interfere with Jublia’s effects. But it’s likely that Jublia will change the color or quality of your nail polish. So it’s best to avoid nail polish while you’re using it.
Yes, Jublia contains alcohol, which makes it a flammable substance. So it’s important to keep the medication away from heat and open flames. A good general rule is to store medication in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
The bottom line
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a topical nail polish that treats fungal toenail infections. You’ll apply it to the affected nails once daily for 48 weeks. Jublia works by weakening fungal cell walls, which prevents the fungus from growing.
Jublia is only available by prescription. It’s typically well tolerated, but side effects can include ingrown toenails or irritation where you apply it. Jublia works best if you use it for the full 48 weeks, even if your nails clear up earlier. This helps prevent the infection from returning.
Keep in mind that toenail fungal infections can be stubborn. And many people don’t get a complete cure with topical treatments. There are several Jublia alternatives available, including topical ciclopirox and tavaborole. Oral Lamisil (terbinafine) is another common option. A healthcare professional can help you find the right treatment for your needs.
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References
Axler, E., et al. (2024). Antifungal selection for the treatment of onychomycosis: Patient considerations and outcomes. Infection and Drug Resistance.
Bausch Health US. (2025). Jublia- efinaconazole solution [package insert].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Ring worm and fungal nail infections.
Gupta, A. K.,v et al. (2016). Update on efinaconazole 10% topical solution for the treatment of onychomycosis. Skin Therapy Letter.
Leung, A. K. C., et al. (2020). Onychomycosis: An updated review. Inflammatory & Allergy Drug Targets.
Ludmann, P. (2025). Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Ludmann, P. (2025). Nail fungus: Signs and symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Pollak, R., et al. (2001). Efficacy of terbinafine for toenail onychomycosis. A multicenter trial of various treatment durations. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
