Protopic Ointment

Uses of Protopic Ointment

Protopic (tacrolimus) is a topical macrolide immunosuppressant that belongs to a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. Tacrolimus works by decreasing cell activity in the body’s immune system which helps to slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Protopic ointment is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe eczema in adults and children at least 2 years old, who cannot use other medications for their condition or whose eczema has not responded to another medication. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes).

Protopic ointment is not for use in people who have a weak immune system.

Precautions and Warnings

Protopic ointment is not for long-term use. A small number of people using Protopic ointment, or another similar medication have developed skin cancer or lymphoma. However, it is not known if tacrolimus causes cancer.

Only use Protopic on skin that is affected by eczema. Avoid applying to an area that may be affected with skin cancer.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have skin cancer or a skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox), any genetic skin disorder (such as Netherton’s syndrome), a weak immune system, kidney disease, or swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of your skin.

Protopic can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from a virus such as chicken pox or herpes (cold sores or shingles). Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any illness.

Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with Protopic ointment. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using Protopic for 6 weeks.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

• Less than 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established
• 2 to 15 years:
  0.03% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve;
  0.1% ointment: Safety and efficacy have not been established
• 16 years and older:
  0.03 or 0.1% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• burning, stinging, itching, or tingling of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);
• viral skin infection;
• your skin being more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures;
• acne, redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• upset stomach;
• headache, muscle pain;
• runny or stuffy nose; or
• fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands.