New Products available over the counter.

"Curanail (R)" for fungal nails

Curanail is a new "Over The Counter" medicine, previously only available on prescription which contains the drug amorolfine, applied as a nail lacquer once a week, applying it like a nail varnish

Fungal finger or toe nails can be an unsightly, embarrassing problem, causing nails to become discoloured, thickened, brittle and maybe eventually being lost. The most common is a type where the infection starts at the nail tip and spreads down towards the base, left untreated it may spread to other nails too, so early treatment is desirable. It affects over a million people in the UK.

Curanail clears 85% of fungal infections of the fingernails in about 6 months, and 76% of toenail infections in about 9-12 months - as the new nail grows out replacing the infection as it is eliminated from the entire nail. Use the templates and diary to gauge how the treatment is going, or whether you need to visit the doctor.

If more than two nails are infected, you need a prescription for stronger treatments. Talk to your pharmacist to see if Curanail is suitable for you.

For a list of who can use it and side-effects or the full patient information leaflet.



"Imigran Recovery (R)" for Migraines

Imigran Recovery is a new "Over The Counter" medicine, previously only available on prescription as sumatriptan, which established confirmed migraine sufferers can now buy without a visit to the Doctor. A confirmed migraine sufferer is one that has had migraines for more than 1 year and suffered more than five attacks.

The pharmacist will refer you to the doctor if you have/are:

  • More than 4 migraines per month
  • Abrupt or sudden onset of severe headache
  • Lasted more than 24 hours
  • over 50 years of age, and it is your first migraine
  • No recovery or cessation of headache occurs between attacks
  • Started the combined oral contraceptive pill within last 3 months

You should also visit the doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Unilateral motor weakness
  • Double Vision
  • Clumsiness or uncoordinated movements
  • Tinnitus (ringing in ear)
  • Reduced consciousness
  • Seizures
  • A rash with the headache
  • Headache confined to back of the head
  • Recent sudden change in migraine e.g. Duration, severity or frequency

There is a questionnaire which needs to be filled out, which helps to determine if you are suitable. If the person requesting the Imigran Recovery is under 18, over 65, pregnant/breast feeding, or has no established history of migraine, then Imigran Recovery is not suitable. The rest of the questions are evaluated by the pharmacist for suitability e.g. you may not be suitable for Imigran Recovery; you may still be sold Imigran Recovery but also referred to doctor in some cases; Or fully suitable for Imigran Recovery.

If you are suitable for Imigran Recovery, you will be given the bottom part of the form (which is signed, dated and stamped by pharmacy) for future purchases without filling out the whole questionnaire - you will just be asked if any new medicines have been started since last time you purchased Imigran Recovery, or any change in pattern/behaviour/severity of the migraine, when you show the pharmacy your form and ask for Imigran Recovery in the future.

Not everyone is suitable for Imigran Recovery, so talk to your Pharmacist about side-effects, and interactions with other medications, and indications for use. See this flow-chart.