What is Penlac?
Penlac Nail Lacquer is a topical solution that is used on the fingernails and toenails and immediately adjacent skin only to treat mild to moderate onychomycosis (fungal infections).
What is the most important information I should know about Penlac?
Penlac Nail Lacquer is for use on fingernails and toenails and immediately adjacent skin only
Not for use in eyes.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Penlac?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are an insulin dependent diabetic or have diabetic neuropathy
- Have a history of immunosuppression
- Are immunocompromised (e.g., received an organ transplant, etc.)
- Require medication to control epilepsy
- Use or require topical corticosteroids on a repeated monthly basis
- Use steroid inhalers on a regular basis
How should I use Penlac?
- Use Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, as directed by your health care professional.
- Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, is for external use only.
- Contact with skin other than skin immediately surrounding the treated nail(s) should be avoided.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Removal of the unattached, infected nail, as frequently as monthly, by your health care professional is needed with use of this medication to obtain maximal benefit with use of the product. If you have diabetes or problems with numbness in your toes or fingers, talk to your health care provider before trimming your nails or removing any nail material.
- Inform your health care professional if the area of application shows signs of increased irritation (redness, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, oozing).
- Up to 48 weeks of daily applications with Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, and professional removal, as frequently as monthly, of the unattached, infected nail are considered the full treatment time to achieve a clear or almost clear nail (defined as 10% or less residual nail involvement). Six months of therapy with professional removal of the unattached, infected nail may be required before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed.
- A completely clear nail may not be achieved with use of this medication. In clinical studies less than 12% of patients were able to achieve either a clear or almost clear toenail.
- Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetic products on the treated nails.
- Avoid use near heat or open flame, because product is flammable.
Patient instructions
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1. Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or nail files. If you have diabetes or problems with numbness in your toes or fingers, talk to your health care provider before trimming your nails or removing any nail material.
2. Apply Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the lacquer evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, nail lacquer should also be applied to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Allow lacquer to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying medication, wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.
3. Apply Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, daily over the previous coat.
4. Once a week, remove the Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using scissors, nail clippers, or nail files.
5. Repeat process (steps 2 through 4).
Please Note:
- To prevent screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow solution to get into the bottle threads.
- To prevent the solution from drying out, bottle should be closed tightly after every use.
- To protect from light, replace bottle into carton after each use.
How should I store Penlac?
- Protect from light (e.g., store the bottle in the carton after every use).
- To prevent screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow solution to get into the bottle threads.
- To prevent the solution from drying out, bottle should be closed tightly after every use.
- Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, should be stored at room temperature between 59° and 86° F (15° and 30° C).
- Caution: Flammable. Keep away from heat and flame.
What are the ingredients in Penlac?
Active ingredient: ciclopirox
Inactive ingredients: ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl ester of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer.
