Onychomycosis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Anatomy of the Nail
To have a better understanding of how onychomycosis affects the nail, a general knowledge of the anatomy of the nail is helpful (see Multimedia File 1). The nail, or nail unit, consists of the following parts:
- The nail matrix (where the nail starts) is where nail cells multiply and keratinize (harden and form into nail material) before being incorporated into the fingernail or toenail. Most of the matrix is not visible. The matrix starts under the skin 5 mm below the nail fold (the area of the cuticle where the finger or toe skin meets the nail) and covers the area called the lunula, or half moon (the white half moon-shaped area at the bottom of the nail).
- The cuticle is a fold of modified skin where the finger or toe meets the nail. The cuticle protects the matrix from infection.
- The nail plate is the nail itself.
- The nail bed is the soft tissue underneath the nail, anchoring the nail plate. The nail plate protects the nail bed.
Next: Subtypes of Onychomycosis »
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
LPD-00767
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Onychomycosis »
Onychomycosis (OM) refers to a fungal infection that affects the toenails or the fingernails.

