Loceryl Nail Lacquer

What is Loceryl?

Loceryl is an antifungal treatment containing amorolfine 5%. In the UK, it is licensed to treat fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, caused by yeasts, dermatophytes, and moulds.

Whilst over-the-counter formulations, such as Curanail, can be used for mild cases, Loceryl is reserved for more severe cases and is thus classed as a prescription-only medication (POM).

Loceryl forms a water-resistant film over the nail surface which, unlike creams, cannot rub off. Once dry, this film allows the active ingredient to be absorbed deep through the nail layers to kill the fungus at the source.

Why Is Loceryl Prescription-Only?

When compared to Curanail, Loceryl covers wider infection parameters. For this reason, a clinical assessment and prescriber approval is required.

Loceryl is licensed to treat up to 5 nails at the same time, and when more than 50% of the nail surface is infected. Prescriber intervention and monitoring with this treatment helps track the infection, preventing treatment failure.

Additionally, Loceryl is available in a larger pack size, 5ml, applied once or twice a week, based on clinical need.

For non-prescription, over-the-counter treatment of mild infections, affecting no more than 2 nails, see our Curanail page.

For a full breakdown of amorolfine, the active ingredient, read our non-branded Amorolfine guide.

Is Loceryl Right For My Nail?

Loceryl can be prescribed for you, if the infection meets the following criteria:

• Location - The infection starts at the tip or outer sides of the nail.

• Number of Nails - The infection affects up to 5 nails in total across hands and feet.

• Age - You are aged 18 or over.

Who Cannot Use Loceryl?

Whilst an effective treatment, Loceryl is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if:

• The infection has spread to the nail root.

• The infection covers more than 50% of the nail surface

• You have more than 5 infected nails.

• Your nails are severely thickened, or painful.

• You have underlying health conditions - diabetes, poor circulation, weak immune system.

• You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

If the infection affects the root or more than 5 nails, topical treatments like Loceryl used on their own are usually ineffective.

How To Use Loceryl 5% Lacquer

As a prescription treatment, it is important to use Loceryl exactly as directed by your prescriber. The lacquer is applied once or twice weekly using the following steps:

1. File the infected nail, using the disposable file provided in the box. (Do not use the same file on healthy nails to avoid spreading the infection)

2. Cleanse the nail, using the alcohol swab provided. This helps to remove grease, dirt or old lacquer.

3. Apply the lacquer. Dip the applicator into the Curanail bottle and paint evenly over the whole surface of the infected nail. Allow the lacquer to dry completely (3 to 5 minutes)

4. Clean the applicator, with the alcohol swab before returning it to the bottle.

For the next dose, clean off any old lacquer using the alcohol swab, file the infected nail again, wipe and reapply.

Cosmetic nail polish can be applied to the nail, but you should wait for 10 minutes after applying Curanail.

Do not use artificial nails during the treatment period.

How Long Does It Take for Loceryl To Work?

Loceryl is an effective treatment used to eliminate the fungus that causes the infection, but treatment requires patience and consistency.

The treatment will kill the fungus present in the nail, but it cannot reverse or repair the parts of the nail already damaged, discoloured or thickened. For a full recovery, the infected part of the nail needs to completely grow out naturally.

For fingernails, continuous weekly treatment usually takes 6 months.

For toenails, as they grow much more slowly, treatment usually takes between 9 to 12 months.

To see whether treatment is working, you should notice a healthy, clear nail growing from the base, as the damaged tip is gradually filed away.

If you notice no improvement after 3 months of consistent use, you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor to reassess your treatment plan.

Loceryl Side Effects

Loceryl is applied externally to the nail surface. Due to this, a very small amount actually enters the bloodstream, making systemic side effects (affecting the whole body) exceptionally rare.

Rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people include:

• Local skin redness

• Mild burning

• Contact dermatitis around the skin border

Very rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people include nail brittleness or cracking, though this is usually a symptom of the infection itself.

If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, throat or mouth, with a rash, these are signs of an allergic reaction. In this case, you should wash off the lacquer and seek immediate medical attention.

How Does Loceryl Compare to Other Treatments

How To Buy Loceryl From Quick Meds

If you have a fungal nail infection, secure treatment today, At Quick Meds, we offer a safe, secure and regulated service to get treatment delivered straight to you.

As a prescription-only (POM) medicine, you cannot buy Loceryl over the counter and must complete a consultation first.

Our process makes it easy:

1. Consultation - Complete an online consultation - this asks about your symptoms, your medical history and if you take other medication.

2. Checkout - Add preferred treatment to your basket and securely checkout.

3. Prescriber review. Our UK-based pharmacist prescribers will review your order for safety and suitability.

4. Dispatched. Approved orders are dispatched usually on the same day in plain, discreet packaging, directly to your door.

References

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1411/smpc
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1411/pil
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9436/smpc
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/amorolfine/
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fungal-nail-infection/
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency