home > drugs a-z list > protopic (tacrolimus) drug center > protopic (tacrolimus) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Protopic

Generic Name: tacrolimus topical (Pronunciation: ta KRA lih muss TOP ik al)

• What is tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• What are the possible side effects of tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• How should I use tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Protopic)?
• What happens if I overdose (Protopic)?
• What should I avoid while using tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• What other drugs will affect tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Tacrolimus topical is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis when other medications have not worked well.

Tacrolimus may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?

Stop using tacrolimus and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tacrolimus and call your doctor if you have:

• worsened skin symptoms;
• signs of a skin infection (redness, swelling, itching, oozing);
• swollen glands; or
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using tacrolimus and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);
• swollen hair follicles;
• acne;
• upset stomach;
• muscle pain;
• headache; or
• feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tacrolimus topical (Protopic)?

Do not use tacrolimus topical on a child 2 years of age or younger.

A small number of people have developed skin cancer after using tacrolimus or pimecrolimus (Elidel) skin medications. However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Use this medication only on the skin, exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Tacrolimus is not for long-term use.

If you are using this medicine on a child younger than 16 years old, use only the 0.03% ointment. The 0.1% ointment is for adults and children who are at least 16 years old, but is too strong to use on younger children.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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 tacrolimus topical. 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 tacrolimus topical for 6 weeks.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs or skin products that can affect tacrolimus. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.