Protopic Or Tacrolimus Topical A Skin Medication Found To Be Associated With Skin Cancer

Protopic General Information

Generic Name: Tacrolimus Topical

Brand Name: Protopic

Protopic or Tacrolimus Topical acts as an immunosuppressant.

Protopic Uses

It is used to bring down the rate of growth of atopic dermatitis or eczema by decreasing the body’s immune system. Protopic is used in the treatment of severe dermatitis when other medications have failed to be effective.

How Take Protopic

Tacrolimus is not meant for a prolonged use. It is not to be applied in children below 2 years of age. The .03% percent ointment should be used to treat children below 16 years. The 0.1% ointment is so strong that it can be used by only adults and children who are above 16 years of age. After the symptoms get cleared, one should discontinue the use of the medication. Hands should be washed before and after the application of Protopic. The affected skin should be washed and dried before applying the medication. The medicine should be applied in a thin coating by gentling rubbing the affected area. The area should not be covered up with a bandage. It is not advisable to take a shower or a bath soon after the application as the medicine should be allowed to stay for sometime. Protopic might cause dryness of the affected area for which the doctor might prescribe a moisturizing cream. The doctor needs to be informed if skin conditions show no signs of improvement after six weeks.

Protopic Warnings

Many people have contracted skin cancer after the use of tacrolimus topical. An individual’s risk is to be ascertained in this regard. But it has not been determined whether this medication can cause skin cancer. Individuals using Protopic should avoid tanning beds, sunlamps, sunlight and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. The affected area should be covered up with loose clothing while going out. One should not apply sunscreen on the treated area unless a doctor has given his approval. Before using Protopic, one should inform his doctors about existing medical conditions like skin cancer or skin infections, chicken pox, Netherton’s syndrome, a weak immune system, kidney problems or swelling and redness of a large skin area. Since the medicine lowers down the blood cells which help the body combat infections, a virus like chickenpox or herpes can easily attack a body.

Protopic Missed Dose

In case an individual misses dose, he should never take extra medication. Rtaher, he should take the next dose in the scheduled time and try to maintain regularity from the next time onwards.

Protopic Side Effects

In some people skin conditions have been found to have worsened. The application, in turn might cause side effects like swelling, itching and reddening of skin. Flu symptoms, chills, fever, swelled up glands and body aches have been reported in many individuals. During the first two days of treatment, burning, stinging and soreness of the treated area might be observed. Some less serious side effects of Protopic include acne breakouts, muscle pain, swollen hair follicles, headache, upset stomach and an increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Protopic Storage

Protopic should be kept at room temperature and the medication should not be allowed to freeze. When the medication is not in use, the ointment tube should be kept tightly covered with the cap.

Protopic Overdose

Tacrolimus is not known for causing overdose symptoms.

Protopic More Information

While using the medication, one should avoid drinking alcohol as the combination might cause the skin to feel hot and to become flushed. Further, one should inform his doctor about the other medications that he is taking so that the doctor can determine the possible drug interactions. One should inform if he is taking erythromycin, cimetidine, antifungal medications like ketoconazole and heart medications like nicardipine.