Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer - Uses, How to Apply & Buying It Without a Prescription

Fungal nail infections - medially known as onychomycosis can be stubborn, frustrating and embarrassing. If you’re looking for an effective treatment, Amorolfine nail lacquer is one of the most common treatments recommended by healthcare professionals.

Read on to discover more about the treatment including how it works and how to use it for best results.

What Is Amorolfine And What Is It Used For?

Amorolfine is an effective antifungal medication, applied topically and is formulated specifically to treat fungal infections affecting finger and toenails.

Unlike creams which can rub off, amorolfine is formulated as a nail lacquer similar to nail polish. This form lets the active ingredient penetrate through the nail to attack the root of the infection.

It is used to treat mild to moderate fungal nail infections which start at the tips or sides of nails.

Symptoms it is used to treat include:

• Colour changes - part of the nail may turn yellow, white or brown

• Thickened nails - which grow slowly

• Crumbly or split tips

How Amorolfine Works

Amorolfine belongs to a class of antifungal treatments called morpholines, and works by disrupting the cellular structure of fungi, which effectively kills them.

Coupled with the lacquer formulation, the active ingredient gradually penetrates the nail to kill the fungus, allowing a healthy, infection-free nail to grow back

How Long Does Amorolfine Take To Work?

Treating a fungal nail infection requires patience. Amorolfine treats the existing infection but cannot repair the part of the nail that's already damaged. Because of this, treatment needs to continue until the infected part of the nail completely grows out.

For fingernails - this usually requires 6 months of continuous treatment

For toenails, which take longer to grow, typically require between 9 to 12 months of treatment.

Is Amorolfine Prescription-Only, Or Can I Buy It Over The Counter?

Amorolfine is available in two forms, depending on the brand and packaging.

An over-the-counter (OTC) form of amorolfine 5% lacquer, or the brand Curanail can be bought from pharmacies, so long as the infection affects no more than two nails, and doesn’t reach the root of the nail.

A prescription-only (POM) form is available for those who have more of a severe infection, or you require a larger bottle. For this form, it can only be supplied once a qualified prescriber has authorised a prescription for you.

How Do You Apply Amorolfine Nail Lacquer?

To work effectively, the lacquer must be applied correctly. It is usually applied once a week consistently. This may be increased to twice a week by a prescriber should they deem it clinically necessary.

For best results, follow the below step-by-step instructions:

1. File the nail - a disposable nail file included in the pack is provided to file the infected area of the nail as much as possible.

2. Clean the nail - wipe the nail surface using the alcohol swab provided. This removes grease and residual lacquer.

3. Apply the lacquer - dip the applicator in the bottle, then without wiping on the bottle edge, paint it evenly over the entire surface of the infected nail.

4. Let it dry - allow the nail to dry completely. This can take up to 5 minutes.

5. Clean the applicator - using an alcohol swab, ready for the next application.

The lacquer must only be applied to the affected nail, taking care not to apply the solution on the skin around the nail.

Before a repeat application, any remaining lacquer should be removed, then the nail/s should be filed and cleansed again. Nail files used for affected nails must not be used for healthy nails.

Cosmetic nail polish can be applied at least 10 minutes after applying treatment. Use of artificial nails should be avoided during the treatment period.

Who Can Use Amorolfine - And Who Shouldn't?

Amorolfine nail lacquer is safe for the majority of patients and can safely be used by adults over the age of 18 with mild to moderate fungal nail infections.

Certain groups of patients however, should not use amorolfine, and should instead seek medical advice first:

• Children and adolescents under 18.

• Anyone with an allergy to amorolfine or any other ingredients in the lacquer.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Anyone with other medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or immunosuppression must importantly speak to their GP first. A fungal nail infection in these patients may be a sign of something more serious.

Amorolfine Side Effects and interactions

As the lacquer is applied directly to the nail, very little of the medication enters the bloodstream. For this reason, side effects are very rare.

Rare side effects include a slight burning sensation, redness, or itching around the nail area after application.

Very rare side effects include the nail becoming brittle, discoloured or broken, though this can be caused by the fungal infection itself.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or severe rash), stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention.

There are no known drug interactions between amorolfine nail lacquer and other oral medications. However, you should avoid using creams or other nail products on the treated area at the same time unless advised by your GP.

Amorolfine vs Terbinafine Tablets - Which Is Right For Me?

Amorolfine is a proven, effective first-line treatment for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. If however, the infection is more severe, involving multiple nails, terbinafine tablets may be required.

Terbinafine works systemically to get rid of the fungi from the inside out. As they pass through the body, entering the bloodstream, they can cause more side effects. Blood tests are usually required to ensure the treatment does not affect liver function. These tablets are only available on prescription.

How to Buy Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer Online

If you suspect a fungal nail infection and are looking to access quick, discreet treatment, you can purchase Amorolfine online through Quick Meds.

As a GPhC-registered online pharmacy, we offer access to licensed treatments obtained from registered wholesalers. Our clinicians are trained to the highest industry standards to help with your health needs.

To access treatment today, navigate to the fungal nail infection page on the Quick Meds website:

• For over the counter products, find and add to your basket. The website will ask a few questions for suitability

• For prescription products, click ‘start consultation’ and complete a full form

Our prescribers will review your responses and if suitable, authorise your request which can be dispatched usually on the same day.

All orders are packaged in plain, discreet packaging and sent through tracked delivery methods with next-day delivery options available.