Protopic

Information on Protopic

60gm Tube
Chemical Name: TACROLIMUS (ta-KROE-li-mus)

Common uses
This medicine is a topical immunosuppressant used in certain patients to treat itching and swelling of the skin associated with eczema (atopic dermatitis). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
LONG-TERM SAFETY OF THIS MEDICINE IS UNKNOWN. RARE CASES OF CANCER (SUCH AS SKIN CANCER OR LYMPHOMA) HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH THE USE OF THIS MEDICINE. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE MAY BE THE CAUSE. THEREFORE, DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE FOR CONTINUOUS LONG-TERM USE. ONLY APPLY IT TO THE AREAS OF SKIN WITH ECZEMA. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking macrolides (such as erythromycin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine), or cimetidine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any viral infections (such as mononucleosis, herpes simplex, shingles, or chickenpox), skin infections (such as eczema herpeticum), other skin problems (such as erythroderma), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have immune system problems or a skin disorder known as Netherton's Syndrome. Use of this medicine in children under 15 years old is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. DO NOT apply this medicine to open wounds or infected areas. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Wash your hands and the affected areas before applying this medicine. Completely dry the affected areas. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. DO NOT BANDAGE OR WRAP the affected area unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine, unless your hands are part of the treated area. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Use this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Using this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, apply it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Continue to apply this medicine for one week after your symptoms have improved unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE alcohol intolerance. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol while using this medicine. AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE SUN, SUNLAMPS, OR TANNING BOOTHS while you are using this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES or on the inside of your nose or mouth. If you do get the medicine on any of these areas, rinse well with water. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any ointments, creams, or lotions. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus when given by mouth or by injection. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine topically during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include burning, tingling, itching, or redness of your skin; acne; back pain; or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience swelling or tenderness of the glands in your neck or under your arms; sore throat; fever; weakness; nasal congestion; increased sensitivity to pain or touch; rash or blistering of your skin; swelling of your face, hands, or feet; swelling or redness of your eyes; cold sores; indigestion; painful menstrual period in women; or muscle pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include severe rash or hives, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.