Are you or your child suffering from eczema? Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a special cream to help control this condition. Tacrolimus is one such cream. Many people know it by the brand name `Protopic`. So today, let's talk briefly about Tacrolimus cream, how to use it, and what precautions you should take.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you, it is very important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him about any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Skin cancer (e.g., cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) | This medicine is not suitable for some skin cancer conditions. |
| Immune system weaknesses or problems | Because this medicine can further alter the functioning of the immune system. |
| Viral infections like chickenpox and herpes | Applying this medicine to an area where there is an infection may worsen it. |
| Having a large area of burned or damaged skin | There is a risk of absorbing more medication into the body through damaged skin. |
| Genetic skin diseases such as Netherton's syndrome | The use of this medicine should be considered carefully in such specific situations. |
| Having recently undergone or undergoing radiation therapy | There may be interactions between this medicine and radiation therapy. |
| Allergies to tacrolimus or other medicines, foods, or preservatives | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, you should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the child. |
How exactly do you use this ointment?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to both hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Do not let it get into your eyes: If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Apply a thin layer: As directed by your doctor, apply the medication in a thin layer only to the affected areas. If there is any moisture on the affected areas before applying the medication, wipe them with a clean cloth and let them dry.
- Take your medicine on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not bandage: Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with a dressing/bandage. However, there is no problem in wearing normal clothes.
- Do not bathe after applying: Do not bathe, go swimming, or go swimming immediately after applying the medicine. Doing so may wash away the medicine.
- Don't stop: Even if your skin gets better, don't stop using the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
If used for children...
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine to children over 2 years of age. But there must be special reasons for that. If you are using this for a child, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.Extremely important.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has taken it, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What are the possible interactions with this medicine?
When you use this ointment, its effects may change with other medications you take, and some beverages. So tell your doctor about everything you use.
| What interactions may occur? | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages | Drinking alcohol can cause the face or skin to become red and inflamed. |
| Some high blood pressure medications (e.g. Diltiazem, Nifedipine) | These medications can change the way Tacrolimus is absorbed by the body. |
| Antifungal medications (e.g. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole) | These can also change the effects of Tacrolimus. |
| Drugs like Cimetidine, Erythromycin | These can also cause interactions, so inform your doctor. |
| Vaccines | Before receiving any vaccination, tell your doctor that you are using Tacrolimus. |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Other things to keep in mind when using
- Be careful with sunlight: Your skin may be a little sensitive to sunlight while using this medicine. This means that it may turn red and burn easily. So stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear protective clothing and use a good sunscreen. Avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds.
- Skin improvement: You may notice your skin condition improving within a few weeks of using the medicine. However, continue using it for as long as your doctor tells you to. If there is no improvement after a few weeks, or if your condition worsens, be sure to tell your doctor .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Chickenpox or herpes (cold sores, shingles) infections | This may affect immunity, so notify immediately. |
| Swollen glands | This could be a sign of an infection or other serious condition. |
| Bleeding from the skin, changes in the appearance of the skin (change in the color of a spot, mole, or new growth) | Skin changes should be reported to a doctor immediately. |
| Skin infections or hair follicle infections (Infection of hair follicles) | If you experience any symptoms such as redness or pus, tell your doctor . |
| Feeling very tired | This may be a sign of how the drug is affecting the body. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Burning, itching, soreness, or numbness where the medicine was applied | This can be common in the early days and usually subsides within a few days. |
| Headache, muscle pain, nausea | If these persist or bother you, tell your doctor. |
| Skin being more sensitive to heat or cold than usual | This is also a common side effect. |
How should I store this medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children. This is the most important thing.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away any medicine left over after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Tacrolimus is a topical cream used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. It should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Before taking the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about your other illnesses, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- When applying the medicine, apply it in a thin layer and remember to protect it from sunlight.
- If you develop any swelling, new skin changes, or infections such as chickenpox, see your doctor immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 How much does Tacrolimus (Tacrolimus / Protopic) ointment/cream cost?
This is not an ordinary steroid cream! This is a very strong type of medicine (Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor) prescribed by a hospital for those with 'Severe Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis', when no other medicine (even steroids) reduces the skin pain! This does not cause skin thinning like steroid creams, which is the biggest advantage here.
💬 How can you cure eczema with this (Tacrolimus) alone when all other creams fail?
Eczema is caused by our own immune system's 'T-cells' going crazy and causing inflammation/inflammation of the skin! While other creams go after it, this ointment goes straight to the heart of those crazy 'T-cells' and blocks/locks down the enzyme (Calcineurin) that needs to work at that time. Since there is no way for the message to get through, the redness and itching of the skin disappear right away.
💬 What is the most deadly risk (Black Box Warning) of this cream?
That is the biggest fear of using this cream! Some people who use this medicine for a long time have been reported to have developed 'skin cancer and lymph node cancer (Lymphoma / Skin Cancer)'! Therefore, it is forbidden to apply it to children under the age of 2. Also, never go out into the 'sun/sunlight (UV Light)' while applying this, the skin may burn instantly or the risk of cancer may increase!
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