Lamisil is probably the best know commercial or over the counter nail fungus treatment. Terbinafine to give the medication its correct name is in most cases prescribed by a doctor. But just how effective is it, what are the health risks involved and how much does it cost. These are just three of the questions that Lamisil throws up.
The picture above may give you nightmares - if you are under 12 years of age please turn your computer off right now!
What is Lamisil?
Lamisil (tablets) are tablet (no shit sherlock) form and probably the most powerful antifungal treatment available. It is estimated that since 1996 more that 17 million suffers in the US alone have been prescribed the drug by healthcare professionals making Lamisil the number 1 nail fungus treatment.
Lamisil tablets are effective because once they enter the body (orally) they are soon absorbed into the bloodstream and get to work fast tackling the fungal infection and getting into where the problem lies, under the nail.
Lamisil is fast and effective but can pose health risks. The type of person who would choose Lamisil as a fungus treatment would be Bruce Willis during his gung ho “Die Hard” days.
Pictured above: Bruce Willis who is most likely not a sufferer of nail fungus (but if he was he would choose the Lamisil route)
So what are the the health risks?
Using Lamisil to treat nail fungus does impose a very mild health risk. It must be stressed that although side affects do exist that are in the main, mild and temporary. As Lamisil is such a powerful and effective drug there are going to be innevitably a few cases where a nail fungus sufferer is going to be suseptible to liver damage.
Diarrhea, stomach upset, temporary change or loss of taste, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: new signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, vision changes.
This drug rarely has caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: persistent nausea, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, vomiting, yellowing of eyes or skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Lamisil is not suited to anyone with a weakened constitution; such as people with immune
system problems, people who have liver or kidney problems or suffers of lupus or erythematosus.
Another group of people who should avoid the medicine are expectant mothers or mothers that are breat feeding.
It is also suggested to descrease your alcohol intake during a Lamisil course.
How much does it cost?
To truly rid yourself of the fungal infection you expect to paye somewhere in the region of $300 to $500 over a period of 6 months.
In conclusion - if you are fit and healthy (fungal infection as an exception) there you should not experience any long term health problems. Similarily if you have had kidney, liver or any of the above mentioned conditions in the past another nail fungus cure should be sought.
