PROTOPIC DESCRIPTION

Protopic Ointment (TACROLIMUS)

Protopic

Where can I order Protopic from? Can I buy Protopic at Canadian Prices?

Yes, if you are from the U.S. then you can buy Protopic at Canadian prices. Currently we will only accept an order for Protopic from U.S. and Canadian residents. Both U.S. and Canadian residents require a prescription to purchase Protopic and when you order Protopic it will be delivered with express shipping.

Brand Name
Protopic

Common Name
tacrolimus topical ointment

How does Protopic work? What will it do for me?

Protopic belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants. Protopic is used on a short-term or intermittent basis to treat the skin condition atopic dermatitis, or eczema. It works on certain areas of the immune system that may be involved in developing this skin condition. It is used when standard treatments have not worked or if there is a reason they cannot be used.

Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking Protopic, contact your doctor.

How should I use Protopic?

Apply a thin layer of Protopic to the skin twice daily. Do not apply to wet skin. Wash your hands after applying the medication if your hands are not an area for treatment. For people aged 16 years and over, the 0.03% or 0.1% strengths may be used. For those aged 2 years to 15 years, only the 0.03% strength should be used. Do not use Protopic under dressings that do not breathe. Do not take Protopic by mouth. If this happens, get medical attention right away.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that Protopic be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of Protopic apply it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

Who should NOT take Protopic?

Protopic topical ointment should not be used by anyone allergic to Protopic or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

What side effects are possible with Protopic?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Protopic. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Protopic with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

cough
fever
general aches and pains
headache
itching skin (for children)
loss of appetite
skin burning
skin flushing when drinking alcohol (in areas of ointment application)
sneezing
weakness
Less common:

watery eyes
flushing
chills
runny nose
increased sensitivity to sunlight
joint pain
swollen glands
acne
back pain
redness, pain, or itching in eye
swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
acid or sour stomach
belching
heartburn
indigestion
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
skin blisters (for children)
burning, itching, or pain in hairy areas
pus at root of hair
increased skin sensitivity
muscle aches or pain
rash
stuffy nose
skin tingling
pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
tightness of chest

Less common:
troubled breathing or wheezing
severe skin rash or hives
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Protopic.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Protopic?

Infections: Before you start treatment with Protopic topical ointment, you should be free of infections.

Skin reaction: During the first few days of treatment with Protopic, you may experience skin burning (e.g., burning sensation, stinging, soreness). This is normal and usually goes away after a short period of time.

Sun exposure: If you use Protopic topical ointment, protect yourself from too much sun exposure. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear hats and long-sleeved clothing, and avoid the sun during its strongest times (between 10 am and 4 pm). Avoid tanning beds and other UVA/B treatments while using Protopic.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been conducted on the use of Protopic topical ointment by pregnant women. Use Protopic during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the risks.

Breast-feeding: Protopic passes into breast milk in small amounts. A decision should be made to stop nursing or stop taking the medication, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Protopic topical ointment for children under two years of age have not been established. Children aged 2 to 15 years should use the 0.03% strength of Protopic ointment only.

What other drugs could interact with Protopic?

Protopic topical ointment may affect how the following medications work or increase the risk of side effects:
calcium channel blockers
cimetidine
erythromycin
fluconazole
itraconazole
ketoconazole
other medications applied to the skin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Protopic. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.