Tacrolimus Topical - Talk Medical

Generic Name: tacrolimus topical

Brands: Protopic

What is the most important information I should know about Tacrolimus Topical?

· Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Tacrolimus Topical, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed.

· Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using Tacrolimus Topical as instructed by your doctor. Tacrolimus Topical should be used for one week following clearing of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis as directed by your doctor.

· Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse within the first few weeks of treatment.

· Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Tacrolimus Topical.

What is Tacrolimus Topical?

· Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of your body's immune system.

· Tacrolimus Topical is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema).

· Tacrolimus Topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Tacrolimus Topical?

· Do not use Tacrolimus Topical without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome.

· Before using Tacrolimus Topical, tell your doctor if you are: ·taking oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication; ·receiving any form of light therapy (phototherapy, UVA or UVB) on the skin; or ·using any other type of skin product (e.g., cream, ointment, lotion, etc.).

· You may not be able to use Tacrolimus Topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Tacrolimus Topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Tacrolimus Topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment.

· Tacrolimus passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Tacrolimus Topical is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Tacrolimus Topical?

· Apply Tacrolimus Topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

· Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using Tacrolimus Topical to treat a hand condition.

· Apply a thin layer of Tacrolimus Topical to all skin areas that your doctor has diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema). A pea-sized amount should cover an area about the size of a two-inch circle. Rub the medication gently and completely into the skin.

· Apply Tacrolimus Topical twice a day, about 12 hours apart, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Use Tacrolimus Topical on the skin. Do not swallow this medication.

· Before applying Tacrolimus Topical after a shower or bath, be sure the skin is completely dry.

· Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.

· Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Tacrolimus Topical.

· Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying Tacrolimus Topical. This could wash off the ointment.

· Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse within the first few weeks of treatment.

· Store Tacrolimus Topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed, and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Tacrolimus Topical overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using Tacrolimus Topical?

· Drinking alcohol may cause the skin or face to become flushed or red and feel hot while using Tacrolimus Topical.

What are the possible side effects of Tacrolimus Topical?

· If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using Tacrolimus Topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately.

· It is not unusual to experience skin burning (burning sensation, stinging, soreness) or itching. These side effects are most common during the first few days of treatment and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis heal.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Tacrolimus Topical and talk to your doctor if you experience: ·acne; ·swollen or infected hair follicles; ·headache; ·increased sensitivity of the skin to hot or cold temperatures; ·flu-like or common cold symptoms or a stuffy nose; ·skin tingling; ·upset stomach; ·herpes zoster (chickenpox or shingles); or ·muscle pain.

· 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.

What other drugs will affect Tacrolimus Topical?

· Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Tacrolimus Topical.

· Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine that may affect the immune system such as oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication. You may not be able to use Tacrolimus Topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking another medicine that affects the immune system.

· Although unlikely, other systemic medications (taken by mouth or injection) may interact with Tacrolimus Topical. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with Tacrolimus Topical: ·an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan); ·a calcium channel blocker (heart medicine) such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine (Cardene); ·erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO); or ·cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Tacrolimus Topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Tacrolimus Topical written for health professionals that you may read.

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