Comments on: Ciclopirox Penlac Nail Lacquer Reviews

By: Barbara Evans

Barbara Evans — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:51:54 +0000

I got a fugus on my fingernails from a nail salon. I had it for 3 years & tried numerous over the counter products. A year ago I finally had my doctor send me to a dermatologist. She prescribed Ciclopirox Topical 8% along with Jublia (efinaconazole). I have been using both daily for almost a year. All of my nails are completely healed except for the fourth one on my right hand. I will have to go back to the dermatologist to get more prescriptions to continue treating that one finger, but I highly recommend these treatments. It does take a long time, but they do work. I will never go to another nail salon (it is NOT worth it).

By: Melinda Dominguez

Melinda Dominguez — Thu, 17 May 2018 02:40:36 +0000

How do I get this anti fungus nail polish?

By: Ann S

Ann S — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:32:39 +0000

I am an RN with additional professional certification (CFCN). Part of my job in our busy wound care clinic is to VERY CAREFULLY trim and care for the thickened toenails in our very severe diabetic and vasculaly impaired patients.
I just felt the need to remind readers here that it is very important to use extreme caution in trimming and sanding diabetic and others that may have poor blood flow to your feet (which is probably the majority of older people). A damaged cuticle or sanding into the nail bed could cause an infection that is not able to heal due to poor blood flow (caused by the diabetes or the poor blood flow alone).
I find our medical system so frustrating because, unless you are diabetic, it is often impossible to have the trimming done by qualified professionals. Even if you qualify, there are not many podiatrists or health professionals willing to do this very important job as there is such poor reimbursement. Our clinic actually loses money with each nail trim we do, as the amount of reimbursement is so poor it does not cover our licensed staff and clinic fees. We do it only in the most extreme cases when a nick in our pts cuticle/nailed could lead to amputation.
Sorry to be so long winded. Just please proceed with caution when thinking of using a Dremmel or other instrument. If you are very healthy and are a “good healer” I say go for it, but if older, not so good eyesight and doing it yourself, or have diabetes or see a heart doctor for anything – please ask your doctor if he or she feels this is safe for you to do. It could lead to serious problems and even loss off toes or foot!
Ok off my soapbox …. Cuz I care about you all. Thanks for reading.

By: Daniel Corbett

Daniel Corbett — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 04:48:15 +0000

I just started using Ciclopirox 8%. Under my Medicare Part D plan, copay is $32 for a 6.6 ml bottle. I found that it can be obtained for around $22 per bottle if you go onto some discount prescription websites. All you need to do is download their discount coupon and take it to a participating pharmacy. Almost all pharmacies in my area are participating. You just need to tell them not to submit it to your insurance or the coupon cannot be used. For those paying $100 or more per bottle, I suspect it is not a covered prescription and you may be paying full price anyway.

By: Someone please reply soon

Someone please reply soon — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:57:50 +0000

Can I use ZetaClear instead ?

By: Sandy

Sandy — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:39:38 +0000

I went to the Dr and they prescribed for me Naftin Gel, Penlac and Thymol to be used twice a day. I haven’t seen any results yet but am hoping for a cure. This infection is nasty and I think I have a mild case of it. My insurance paid for two but the Naftin Gel was 4 hundred dollars and my insurance said no way. I had a coupon for two hundred off but still could not afford it. My Dr went over board and gave me samples to use. She said I would probably see a difference in six months. I don’t think I have had anything so gross as this. I think I got it from my mom’s spongy type rug after a shower. Nasty I tell ya, nasty.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:45:53 +0000

I have been battling this horrid fungus for over 2 years now – using the ciclopirox 8% religiously every night of my life. I am finally seeing results. I must add that at one time I got discouraged and asked for the pill form (which damages your liver). The pills seemed to make it grow so I went back to the ciclopirox 8% – have been back on it for several months now. My toenails actually are almost better, but my fingernails (both thumbs and my pointer finger) kept getting a little better – then would start growing again. I finally started using gloves when doing dishes, now they are looking much better. I would advise using gloves because this fungus likes warm moist environments – (warm dishwater with no gloves). I wish everyone luck with this fungus stuff – I just wish there was a safe and true cure!!!!

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:05:32 +0000

Also, I like Mike’s dremel tool idea. It probably works much faster than a nail clipper like I used.

Women are likely to be tempted to use a nail buffer, but that will just burn out the motor. Spend $50 on a dremel tool on eBay and bet the the sanding attachments. You’ll have to find the nerve to use it youself. Unfortunately, you can’t buy that.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:01:51 +0000

I completely agree with Bob from Nov 2011.
This product seems to do nothing if used as directed. It’s costly and frustrating.

However, with a lot of effort, I can report success, using a different approach with an alternate product that contains the same active ingredient for about 1/10th the price.

A couple of years ago, I went to the foot doc to see what I could do to get rid of the fungus under a big toe. That visit cost me only $5 insurance co-pay but the prescription of this mini-bottle of clear nail polish with fundacide cost me 100 bucks. Alright I thought, expensive but it will work.

I applied it religiously to the nail over a couple of months, to no effect. Apparently, a complete waste of money and effort.

Now, I refuse to take pills for this problem, considering the possibility of serious medical consequences, which would no doubt be worse than toe fungus.

So I looked elsewhere. I found that for just over 22 bucks on eBay, you can get two little bottles of Ciclopirox, from UK or Thailand, depending on the vendor. That’s more than twice as much product and it’s likely the minimum amount you’ll need. You’ll likley need 4 bottles if you have multiple affected toes.

It is water-like liquid and applies with a cheap plastic stick with a flat end with holes in it, extending from the cap (where a brush should really be). The applied layer on your toe dries in the air in a few minutes and, unlike the laquer form, if you put your foot into a sock before it’s completely dry, it won’t glue your foot to the cloth. I suspect the same is true for stockings, but I don’t wear nylons — at least I won’t admit it. lol.

I’ve been using this stuff daily for a year now, and just about exhausted the two little bottles (8 ml each). I have been pretty agressive cutting the nail back to the point where I can remove all dead material below. You learn to take your time doing that, because you will bleed if you make a mistake and cut into the quick. It’s difficult to tell the difference between live “you” and the invader material, because the surface is rough, not like your outer skin. And, you’re bent over in an unnatural position to do this. I suppose this is the “worse” in “for better or worse” and if you have a spouse who has taken vows, you can test his or her love by putting him or her to the test. It’s like one of the Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel.

You apply the medicine as close as possible to the affected area, and unlike the laquer form the medicine, it doesn’t sting if you get any on exposed quick.

Long story long, I can report that the fungus is finally gone and the nail growing normally.

So, unless the vinegar approach works (I don’t know if it does) or laser treatment becomes avaiable (which wasn’t available when I asked for it), I would recommend the same approach that worked for me. The key to my success seems to be:

– Weekly, cut nail to expose affected area., then remove all non-living material in affected area.
– Daily, apply cheap Ciclopirox 8%.
(search for “ciclopirox” on eBay).

Remember, you’re not a bad person if your toes aren’t perfect. Keep your chin up.

By: Mick

Mick — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:01:49 +0000

I drill my nails with a Dremel tool. Cleans the nails up for a couple of weeks. Some of my nails have actually been cured because of how deep I was able to get.