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Amorolfine

Amorolfine is also called MycoNail or Loceryl

Key points about amorolfine

Amorolfine is used to treat fungal infections in toenails or fingernails.
Amorolfine is also called MycoNail® or Loceryl®.
Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects.

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Amorolfine is used to treat fungal nail infections in toenails or fingernails. It works by killing the fungus. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antifungals.

In Aotearoa New Zealand it’s available as a liquid (5%) that's painted onto the nail. The pack comes with disposable cleaning pads and nail files. Amorolfine can be bought from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription or it can be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Amorolfine isn’t effective for all fungal nail infections – it may not be effective if the infection is present in the deeper part of the nail. It's best used for infections on the end, or on the surface of the nail, that aren’t very severe.

It’s not suitable if you're under 12 years of age or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Amorolfine is available as a medicated clear nail paint or lacquer.
Apply amorolfine to the infected nail once or twice a week.
Treat infected fingernails for 6 months, and infected toenails for 9 to 12 months.

If you have diabetes or problems with numbness in your toes or fingers, talk to your healthcare provider before using amorolfine.

Before applying amorolfine, file down the infected areas of the nail using a nail file.
Clean the nail surface with a cleaning pad or cotton wool. Do this each time just before you apply amorolfine and file if needed to remove any remaining lacquer.
Using the spatula provided, apply the amorolfine paint over the entire surface of the infected nail. Don't apply to the skin around the nail.
Allow the paint to dry for about 3 to 5 minutes.

What to know while you are using amorolfine

Avoid the use of cosmetic nail varnish (nail polish), artificial nails or dressings over the nail during treatment with amorolfine.
Keep using amorolfine regularly: It may take several months after you finish treatment to see the full benefit of amorolfine. When it's used to treat nail infections, it takes time for your new healthy nails to grow out and replace the infected nails.
Storage: The lacquer should be stored with the bottle tightly closed. Keep out of the reach of young children in a cool, dry place.

Like all medicines, amorolfine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Burning feeling around the treated nail Redness or itching of the skin around the nail	These are not common. Don't apply to the skin around the nail. Tell your healthcare provider if these bother you.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itches, swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue or problems breathing	This is rare. Stop using amorolfine. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)
Ciclopirox

(external link)The following links provide further information on amorolfine. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Loceryl(external link) Medsafe consumer information
Fungal nail infections(external link) DermNet, NZ
Fungal infections of the nail(external link) British Association of Dermatologists, UK