Are oral medications for nail fungus toxic?
The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once weekly treatment with fluconazole; however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then retested during the course of treatment. What about the cost of oral medications? A further consideration is cost. Because newer oral antifungal agents are very expensive, some insurance companies balk at paying for what they consider a “cosmetic issue,” unless nail fungus causes pain or other functional symptoms. Conclusion Nail fungus causes only 50%-60% of abnormal appearing nails. It can be hard to tell the difference between the different causes of discolored nails (even for doctors!) Onychomycosis is often not treated. Reasons to receive treatment include 1. diabetes, 2. previous leg infection (cellulitis), 3. if you have pain or discomfort from your nails, or 4. you would like them treated for cosmet
