Protopic

The topical form of tacrolimus What kind of medication is this? Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It achieves this effect by suppressing the immunological system of the body. To treat severe cases of atopic dermatitis, a topical (for the skin) formulation of tacrolimus is employed (eczema). There are more applications for tacrolimus that are not included in this patient information leaflet. Before I start using this medication, what should I discuss with my health care providers? If you have an allergy to tacrolimus, you should not use the topical form of the medication. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before using tacrolimus topical: skin cancer or an infection of the skin (including herpes or chickenpox); any genetic skin disorder (such as Netherton's syndrome); a weakened immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); kidney disease; or swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of your skin. Your doctor will be able to determine whether or not you can use tacrolimus topical safely. Tacrolimus has the potential to reduce the number of blood cells in your body that assist in the fight against infections. This can make it more likely for a virus, such the one that causes chicken pox or herpes, to cause illness in you (cold sores or shingles). Talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect that you may have been exposed to an illness. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus use has been linked to the development of skin cancer and lymphoma in some patients (Elidel). On the other hand, it is unknown if any of these medications is a cause of lymphoma or skin cancer. Discuss your specific dangers with your attending physician. FDA pregnancy category C. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether tacrolimus topical poses a risk to an unborn child. When you are taking this medicine, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant in the near future. It is possible for tacrolimus topical to enter breast milk, where it might potentially affect a breastfeeding infant. If you are a breastfeeding mother and intend to use this medicine, you must first discuss it with your physician. If the child is younger than 2 years old, tacrolimus topical should not be used on them. What is the correct way to take this medication? Follow the instructions given by your physician to the letter. Do not use in amounts that are bigger or lower than indicated, nor for a duration that is longer than suggested. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the label of your medication. Only the ointment with a concentration of 0.03% should be used on children younger than 16 years old while administering this medication. The ointment with a concentration of 0.1% is intended for use on adults and children who are at least 16 years old; nevertheless, it is too potent to be applied to younger youngsters. If you are not taking tacrolimus to treat a condition that affects your hands, you should wash your hands both before and after using the drug. Just the regions of the skin that are eczema-affected should have a very thin coating of the medication applied to them. Bandages should not be applied to the skin that has been treated. After using tacrolimus topical, you should not take a bath, shower, or swim straight away. The medication might be removed with water. If you want to prevent your skin from becoming very dry, you might consider using a moisturizing cream or lotion. Inquire with your physician on the best moisturizer to use. Tacrolimus should not be used for an extended period of time. Once your symptoms have improved, you should stop taking the drug unless your physician has instructed you to continue doing so. If, after six weeks of therapy, your symptoms have not improved or if they have become worse while you are taking tacrolimus, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician. Keep at normal room temperature when storing. Do not freeze. While not in use, ensure that the lid of the ointment tube is securely fastened. What should I do if I forget a dose? As soon as you realize you missed a dosage, it should be administered as normal. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not safe to take more medication in an attempt to make up for a missed dosage. What other substances could react with this medication? Whether you take other medications orally or inject them, it is quite unlikely that they will have an effect on tacrolimus topical that has been given topically. But, if you apply tacrolimus to extensive regions of skin, there is a possibility that an interaction will take place. Inform your primary care physician about any and all additional medications you use, in particular: conivaptan (Vaprisol), imatinib (Gleevec), and isoniazid (for the treatment of tuberculosis); an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek); an antidepressant such as nefazodone; antifungal medication such as This list is not exhaustive, and there is a possibility that tacrolimus topical will interact with other medications. Discuss all of the drugs you use with your primary care provider. This covers items purchased with a prescription, those bought over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Do not begin taking a new medicine before consulting with your primary care physician. What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication? You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck are all symptoms of anaphylaxis. If you experience a serious side effect while using tacrolimus, such as severe stinging, burning, itching, or soreness where the medicine is applied; swollen glands; redness or crusting around your hair follicles; or signs of a skin infection, you should immediately stop using tacrolimus and contact your doctor (redness, swelling, itching, oozing). Mild burning, stinging, or itching; skin redness; acne; cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat; headache; or feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures are some of the less significant side effects that may occur. This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive; additional symptoms may also surface. What side effects should I be on the lookout for when using this medication? If your doctor has not instructed you otherwise, you should refrain from applying additional drugs to the regions that are being treated with tacrolimus topical. Try to limit your time spent in the sun, in tanning beds, or through phototherapy treatments that use UVA or UVB rays. If you really have to go outside, make sure to wear loose clothing over any portions of your skin that have been treated with tacrolimus topical. If your dermatologist has not instructed you to do so, you should avoid applying sunscreen to the treated area of your skin. Consuming alcohol while taking tacrolimus topical may cause your skin or face to appear flushed, heated, or red. This may be especially noticeable on your face. Where should I store this prescription medication? Keep at normal room temperature when storing. Do not freeze. While not in use, ensure that the lid of the ointment tube is securely fastened.