Lamisil
Lamisil is prescribed to patients with toenail and fingernail infections due to dermatophytes, which are parasitic fungi that affect the skin and nails. Lamisil is taken for a period of time until the infections are cured (patients must complete their entire prescription in order for Lamisil to be effective). Rare cases of liver failure have occurred in patients taking Lamisil. Also, Lamisil can cause injury to unborn or nursing babies.
What are some important things I should know about Lamisil?
Lamisil is an anti-fungal medication that works like an antibiotic. Patients take Lamisil orally, and it travels through the bloodstream to the infected nails to fight the parasitic fungi.
Lamisil is for patients who have toe and fingernail infections caused by parasitic fungi. These infections cause symptoms ranging from superficial whitening at the ends of the nails to brown or black discoloration of the entire nail and infection of the surrounding skin. These infections are usually painless, but because of the appearance of nail infections, many people take Lamisil for cosmetic reasons. Infections can cause changes in the shape of nails or cause nails to lift away from the nail bed as well. Nail infections usually do not go away on their own.
Lamisil is not recommended for patients with chronic or active liver disease, kidney disease, problems with your immune system, or blood problems.
Lamisil can cause liver damage and failure, resulting in liver transplant or death. Lamisil can also cause gastrointestinal injury and rashes. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not take Lamisil, because Lamisil may cause injury to unborn or nursing babies.
Lamisil can react with other drugs. To avoid injury, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before you start taking Lamisil. You should also avoid getting pregnant or breastfeeding while taking Lamisil to avoid injury to your unborn baby.
You should stop taking Lamisil and contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
- persistent nausea
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- vomiting
- right upper abdominal pain
- jaundice
- dark urine
- pale stools
- if you become pregnant
