Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer

Amorolfine works by blocking the production of ergosterol, a chemical that fungal cells need to survive and grow. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane breaks down and the fungus can no longer replicate. As you continue applying the lacquer consistently, the infection is gradually eliminated and your nail grows back healthy over time.

The lacquer formulation is particularly effective because it creates a film on the nail surface that maintains a sustained concentration of the active ingredient within the nail plate, providing ongoing antifungal action between applications. This is why it only needs to be applied once or twice a week rather than daily.

Treatment takes time because it depends on the natural nail growth cycle. Fingernails typically clear within six months of consistent treatment. Toenails take longer, usually between nine and twelve months, due to their slower growth rate. It is important to continue treatment without interruption even once the nail begins to look better, as stopping early can allow the infection to return.

Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer is available in two forms at My London Pharmacy.

Amorolfine (generic): The generic version of the treatment, containing the same active ingredient at the same concentration as the branded alternatives. Equally effective and typically less expensive. Available in a 1 x 5ml bottle or a 2 x 5ml pack.

Loceryl (branded): The original branded prescription version of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer. Contains the same active ingredient and works in exactly the same way. Some patients prefer the branded version for familiarity or for specific excipient reasons. Available in a 1 x 5ml bottle or a 2 x 5ml pack.

Both options contain a nail file and applicators for use during treatment. Please note that as a generic medicine, the manufacturer of the generic version may vary depending on availability, though the active ingredient and its effect remain the same.

Treatment is applied once or twice weekly to the affected nails, as directed by your prescribing pharmacist. Follow these steps carefully each time:

Step 1 - Prepare the nail: Before each application, file down the surface of the affected nail using the nail file provided. Use this file only on infected nails, never on healthy nails, as doing so risks spreading the fungus.

Step 2 - Clean the nail: Wipe the nail surface clean using one of the provided swabs to remove any residue and ensure the nail is dry before you apply the lacquer.

Step 3 - Apply the lacquer: Using the applicator, apply the lacquer evenly to the entire surface of the infected nail or nails.

Step 4 - Allow to dry: Let the treated nails dry for at least three minutes before covering them, putting on socks, or wearing shoes.

Step 5 - Clean the applicator: Thoroughly clean the applicator with the same swab used on your nails after each application, to prevent contamination.

Duration of treatment: Continue treatment consistently until healthy nail has fully grown through. This is typically six months for fingernails and nine to twelve months for toenails. Do not stop early even if the nail begins to look better.

Reviews: Your prescribing pharmacist will review your treatment every three months to assess progress and confirm that treatment remains appropriate.

Keep nails short, clean, and dry throughout treatment. Avoid wearing nail polish or artificial nails on the affected nails during the course. Wear breathable footwear and change socks daily to reduce moisture around the toenails. Avoid sharing nail clippers, files, socks, or shoes with others, as fungal infections can spread through shared items. Wearing protective footwear such as flip-flops in communal areas like swimming pools, gym showers, and changing rooms reduces the risk of reinfection.

Side effects from amorolfine nail lacquer are uncommon and, when they occur, are generally mild and localised to the application area. The most common side effect is a temporary burning or stinging sensation at the site of application. Some patients experience mild redness, itching, skin dryness, or irritation around the nail. Changes to the nail itself, including nail discolouration, brittleness, or fragility, have been reported but are rare.

Serious allergic reactions are very rare but if you experience swelling of the face, lips, or throat, a widespread rash, or difficulty breathing, stop using the lacquer immediately and seek medical attention.

If any side effect becomes severe or persistent, contact your prescribing pharmacist for advice.

• Maximum nail involvement: Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer is appropriate for limited fungal nail infections affecting a maximum of two nails. If more nails become affected, if the infection spreads, or if there is no improvement after several months of consistent treatment, a GP review is recommended as oral antifungal medication may be required.
• When to seek urgent advice: Contact your GP or seek urgent care if you notice pain, swelling, redness, or pus around the nail (which may indicate a secondary bacterial infection); if the nail becomes very thickened or lifts significantly from the nail bed; or if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Conditions requiring special care: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, speak to your prescribing pharmacist or GP before starting treatment. These conditions may require additional monitoring and a different clinical approach may be more appropriate.
• Age: Not suitable for children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Amorolfine nail lacquer is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor. Discuss your situation with your prescribing pharmacist before use.
• Severely damaged nails: Do not use on nails that are severely damaged unless specifically advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
• Nail polish and artificial nails: Do not apply nail varnish or artificial nails to treated nails during the treatment course, as these can prevent the lacquer from penetrating properly and reduce its effectiveness.

• What is Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer used for? Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer is a prescription antifungal treatment for fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis. It is applied directly to the affected nail and works by killing the fungus responsible for the infection, allowing healthy nail to grow back over time.
• What is the difference between generic Amorolfine and branded Loceryl? Both contain the same active ingredient, amorolfine hydrochloride, at the same 5% concentration and work in exactly the same way. Generic amorolfine is typically less expensive than branded Loceryl. The manufacturer of the generic version may vary depending on availability, but the active ingredient and its therapeutic effect remain the same across all manufacturers.
• How long does treatment take? Treatment typically takes six months for fingernails and nine to twelve months for toenails. Treatment must be continued consistently throughout this period even once the nail begins to look better. Stopping early increases the risk of the infection returning.
• How often do I apply Amorolfine nail lacquer? Amorolfine is applied once or twice weekly to the affected nail, as directed by your prescribing pharmacist. It does not need to be applied daily.
• Can I use nail polish or artificial nails during treatment? No. Nail varnish and artificial nails should not be applied to treated nails during the treatment course as they prevent the lacquer from working effectively.
• Is Amorolfine available without a prescription? A lower strength version of amorolfine is available over the counter. The 5% prescription strength available from My London Pharmacy requires a clinical consultation, which is carried out online by our independent prescribing pharmacist. No GP appointment is needed.
• What are the side effects of Amorolfine? Side effects are uncommon and generally mild. The most common is a temporary burning or stinging sensation at the application site. Mild redness, itching, or skin dryness may also occur. Serious reactions are rare. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your prescribing pharmacist.
• When should I see a GP about my nail infection? You should contact your GP if your infection affects more than two nails, if there is no improvement after several months of correct use, if you develop pain, swelling, or signs of secondary infection around the nail, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system and your symptoms worsen. Oral antifungal treatment may be more appropriate in these cases.
• Can I use Amorolfine during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Amorolfine nail lacquer is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor. Please discuss your circumstances with your prescribing pharmacist before starting treatment.