• U.S. Brand Names: Protopic®
• Canadian Brand Names: Protopic®
• Pharmacologic Category: Calcineurin Inhibitor;Topical Skin Product

• It is used to treat skin irritation. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.
• Tacrolimus lowers the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

How to take

• Do not take this drug by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash hands before and after use. Do not wash hands after use if applying to the hand area.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying.

Missed Dose

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal time.
• Do not use two doses or extra doses.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.

Warnings

• Long-term use may raise the chance of cancer and not safe infections.
• Do not give to a child younger than 2 years of age.
• Unsafe reactions may happen. This drug cannot be taken while you are taking certain other drugs. Check all the drugs you are taking with your doctor.
• Please read the medication guide.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to tacrolimus or any other part of this drug.
• Tell doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Precautions

• The chance of cancer is higher after using this drug.
• If you have a weak immune system, talk with doctor.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with certain other drugs.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by doctor.
• If you are getting any form of light therapy, talk with doctor.
• Tell doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

Side Effects

• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Headache.
• Cough.
• Skin irritation.
• Skin infection.

Monitoring

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• Very bad headache.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th for more facts about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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