How safe is Lamisil?

[WilliusTheI]

My doctor suggested Lamisil ... well, it didn't work out when I tried to get it at the pharmacy then I moved for university and went to the health center and the local doc told me it's too dangerous and not that effective (60/40) for me (a young guy, that is).

So....if there are any medical people in here, can you please give me some tips? I'd appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

[Delphi]

For jock itch or athlete's foot, I assume? I've never heard of anybody quoting a 60% efficacy rate for Lamisil before. I've never had to use it, but my understanding is that it's the best thing out there (as far as topicals go) for fungal infections.

[medevac]

I think he's referring to the pill form, not the OTC topical creme, that is used for nail fungus (which is exactly 1 million times harder to kill than foot fungus-OK I made that up). I have read that the pill is a bit harsh on your kidneys (or is it liver?) but that is mainly for people with renal/liver issues. At your age I wouldn't think that would be a problem (unless you have relevant medical history).

There is nothing that will "kill" nail fungus. Everything just makes the nail bed/skin an inhospitable environment...then as the new nail grows in healthy, the old one is clipped off. Like most things, it is better to prevent than cure. Nail fungus typically follows athlete's foot, so things that will stop that can help nail fungus. Try conventional methods of changing socks often and using powder, dry = good (which is why it is more rare to get nail fungus in the finger nails than toe nails)...also keep the nail filed low and also file down the thickness to give the fungus "less to work with".

Even if you do get on Lamisil, you are looking at a year of meds...takes that long for the nail to grow completely out...go off of it before then and it's back to square one.

There, that's more than anyone will ever care to know about nail fungus.

[louis1099]

use vinegar or tree tea oil extract....it also takes 6 months to a year to grow out depending on your nails....only thing is you have to apply it twice a day with a dropper, miss a day early on you'll probably have it come back and you'll see the line.

[Delphi]

http://www.regence.com/trgmedpol/drugs/dru65.html

[WilliusTheI]

Thanks for the help.

I should have clarified that I was indeed talking about the pill and not the topical application.

I've heard about tea tree oil and vinegar but I don't know about the efficacy of those treatments. Do you have any experience with them helping nail fungus?

[louis1099]

yes it works...takes time and isnt as easy as popping some liver killing pills:)

For me when taking care of my toenails took about 6 months for clear nails to grow out. Vinegar twice a day with a dropper. Do a internet search.