- Loceryl is used to treat fungal infections of the nails.
- Loceryl contains the active ingredient amorolfine (as the hydrochloride), which belongs to a group of medicines known as antifungals. It kills a wide variety of fungi that can cause nail infections.
What is Loceryl used for?
- Treating fungal nail infections (onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds).
How does Loceryl work?
- Loceryl nail lacquer contains the active ingredient amorolfine. This antifungal medicine kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes.
- Amorolfine works by causing holes to appear in the fungal cell membranes. This allows essential constituents of the fungal cells to leak out, which kills the fungi and ultimately clears up the infection.
- Fungal nail infections are often difficult to eradicate, because the nails are hard and difficult to penetrate and take a long time to grow as new healthy tissue. Loceryl nail lacquer is painted onto the infected nails like nail varnish.
How do I use Loceryl?
- The lacquer should be painted onto the affected nail(s) once or twice a week, as directed by your doctor. Don't apply it on the skin around the nail.
- Before applying the lacquer, the affected areas of nail, including the nail surfaces, should be filed down as thoroughly as possible using one of the disposable nail files supplied with the medicine. Throw the nail file away after doing this - do not use it to file healthy nails as this will spread the infection. The surface of the nail should then be cleansed using one of the disposable alcohol swabs supplied with the medicine.
- The nail lacquer should then be applied onto the entire surface of the infected nail(s) using one of the reusable applicators supplied. For each nail to be treated, dip the applicator into the nail lacquer without wiping off any of the lacquer on the bottle neck. Allow the nail to dry for about three minutes.
- After use, it's important to clean the applicator before putting it back in the bottle. Use the same swab you used earlier to clean the nail and then dispose of the swab carefully. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
- The nail lacquer should be reapplied once or twice a week, as directed by your doctor. Each time you reapply the lacquer you should cleanse the nail(s) with one of the swabs supplied to remove any old lacquer first. You should then file the nail(s) down using a new disposable nail file and cleanse them as before, before applying a new coat of the lacquer.
- It is important that you continue the treatment without interruption until the infected section of nail has completely grown out, otherwise the infection will just come back. The hardest part may remembering to apply the lacquer each week. It will help to apply the lacquer on the same day(s) each week and write the date of use on a diary card or on the box, to keep a running check of when you used the medicine. In general it can take six months of treatment to clear up a fingernail infection and nine to twelve months for toenail infections. It's recommended that you see your doctor every three months during the treatment to make sure the medicine is working correctly.
- If you're treating a toenail infection and you also have athlete's foot, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a separate medicine (eg cream/spray/powder) so you can treat this at the same time. This will help prevent the toenail getting reinfected. You can also use powders and sprays in your shoes to help keep them free from fungi.
What should I know about using Loceryl?
- The lacquer should be only be applied to infected nails.
- Take care to avoid getting the lacquer in contact with eyes, ears and inside of the nose and mouth. Do not inhale the vapour.
- You can use cosmetic nail polish on nails you have treated, however don't apply these until at least ten minutes after applying Loceryl. Each time you need to reapply Loceryl you should remove any cosmetic nail polish first, then file and cleanse the nail as described above.
- Do not apply artificial nails on the nails you are treating with Loceryl.
- If you need to work with organic solvents (eg thinners, white spirit etc) while you're using Loceryl, you should wear impermeable gloves to protect the medicine on the nails.
Who should not use Loceryl nail lacquer?
- People who are allergic to any ingredient of the lacquer.
Can I use Loceryl while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- The safety of Loceryl nail lacquer for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established. Amorolfine is unlikely to be absorbed into the body in significant amounts after being applied to the nails. However, it should only be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if your doctor feels it is essential. You should get medical advice from your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the possible side effects of Loceryl?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with Loceryl. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using Loceryl will experience that or any side effect.
Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)
- Nail discolouration.
- Broken or brittle nails.
Very rare (affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people)
- Skin burning sensation in area of use.
- Unknown frequency
- Redness, itching or blistering of skin.
- Contact dermatitis.
If you want any more information about the possible side effects of Loceryl nail lacquer, read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I use Loceryl with other medicines?
- Loceryl nail lacquer is not known to affect any other medicines. However, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already using any other medicines, so they can establish if it is safe for you to use this one as well.
References:
https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/medicine-finder/loceryl-nail-lacquer
https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-hair/a7023/loceryl-nail-lacquer-amorolfine/
http://toenail-fungus-rankings.zetaclear.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA8OjjBRB4EiwAMZe6y4VH42MQIrH8ir7R2g-RlOCnSAd7dccXEzidkzV8EOFYDIEDYLh7zhoCKt0QAvD_BwE
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1411/pil
https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/loceryl-nail-lacquer-32724/
http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/site-tools/