Pronunciation: ta-KROE-li-mus
Generic Name: Tacrolimus
Brand Name: Protopic
The long-term safety of Protopic Ointment has not been determined. Because rare cases of cancer (eg, lymphoma, skin cancer) have been reported, continuous long-term use should be avoided and the application of Protopic Ointment should be limited to the affected areas. Protopic Ointment should not be used in children younger than 2 years old.
Protopic Ointment is used for:
Treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Protopic Ointment is a topical immunosuppressant. How it works is not completely understood. It is thought to decrease the cell activity that causes atopic dermatitis.
Do NOT use Protopic Ointment if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Protopic Ointment
- you are receiving any form of light therapy (eg, ultraviolet light therapy) on your skin
- you have a skin infection (eg, chickenpox, herpes, shingles) at the application site, certain skin problems (eg, a precancerous skin condition, skin cancer, Netherton syndrome), or a weakened immune system
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Protopic Ointment:
Some medical conditions may interact with Protopic Ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have mononucleosis, swollen lymph nodes, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Protopic Ointment. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Certain calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), cimetidine, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Protopic Ointment's side effects in certain patients
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Protopic Ointment may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Protopic Ointment:
Use Protopic Ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Protopic Ointment comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Protopic Ointment refilled.
- Protopic Ointment is for external use only. Do not get Protopic Ointment in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Dry your skin completely after a bath or shower before applying Protopic Ointment.
- Wash your hands before using Protopic Ointment.
- Apply a thin layer of Protopic Ointment to the affected area. Use the smallest amount needed to control your condition. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying Protopic Ointment (if hands are not an area of treatment).
- If you are a caregiver applying Protopic Ointment to someone else's skin, wash your hands with soap and water after applying Protopic Ointment.
- Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Protopic Ointment. This could wash off the ointment.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings or wraps, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Stop using Protopic Ointment when the signs and symptoms of the condition (eg, itching, rash, redness) go away, unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
- If you miss a dose of Protopic Ointment, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Protopic Ointment.
Important safety information:
- Protopic Ointment may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun until you know how you react to Protopic Ointment. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning booths while you are using Protopic Ointment. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Protopic Ointment should be used for short periods of time. If recommended by your doctor, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between. Do not use Protopic Ointment continuously for a long time unless directed by your doctor.
- You can use a skin moisturizer while you use Protopic Ointment as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor before you use any other medicines or cleansers on your skin. If you use a moisturizer, apply it after you apply Protopic Ointment.
- Drinking alcohol while you are using Protopic Ointment may cause your skin or face to become flushed or red and feel hot. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- If you develop a skin infection, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment, contact your doctor.
- Protopic Ointment may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
- Protopic Ointment should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Protopic Ointment while you are pregnant. Protopic Ointment is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Protopic Ointment.
Possible side effects of Protopic Ointment:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Acne; burning, stinging, soreness, itching, or redness of skin; common cold; headache; stuffy nose; upset stomach.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain; cold sores; decreased urination; fever, chills, cough, or persistent sore throat; increased sensitivity to pain or touch; increased skin sensitivity to heat or cold; indigestion; muscle pain; painful menstrual periods; skin infection (eg, warm, red, swollen, or painful skin); swollen glands; swollen or infected hair follicles; tingling of the skin; weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Protopic side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Protopic Ointment may be harmful if swallowed.
Proper storage of Protopic Ointment:
Store Protopic Ointment at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not leave Protopic Ointment in your car in cold or hot weather. Keep Protopic Ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Protopic Ointment, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Protopic Ointment is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Protopic Ointment. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Protopic resources
- Protopic Side Effects (in more detail)
- Protopic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Protopic Support Group
- 6 Reviews for Protopic - Add your own review/rating
Compare Protopic with other medications
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Perioral Dermatitis
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