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(These are common indications for Protopic. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).
What is the most important information I should know about Protopic:
Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Protopic, 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 Protopic as instructed by your doctor. Protopic 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 Protopic.
Drug Uses (What is Protopic):
Protopic is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of your body's immune system. Protopic is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema). Protopic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take Protopic:
Do not use Protopic without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome. Before using Protopic, tell your doctor if you are:
- taking oral or injectable Protopic (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.).
Protopic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Protopic 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. Protopic passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Protopic 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 Taken:
Apply Protopic 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 Protopic to treat a hand condition. Apply a thin layer of Protopic 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 Protopic twice a day, about 12 hours apart, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Use Protopic on the skin. Do not swallow this medication. Before applying Protopic 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 Protopic. Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying Protopic. This could wash off the ointment. Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using Protopic as instructed by your doctor. Protopic 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. Store Protopic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Warnings/Precautions:
Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Protopic, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. In addition, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun you should use. Drinking alcohol may cause the skin or face to become flushed or red and feel hot while using Protopic.
Possible Side Effects:
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using Protopic 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 Protopic 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.
Missed Dose:
Apply Protopic as soon as you can remember.
Other drugs will affect Protopic:
Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Protopic. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine that may affect the immune system such as oral or injectable Protopic (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication. You may not be able to use Protopic, 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 Protopic. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with Protopic:
- 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 Protopic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Storage:
Store Protopic at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F). Never leave Protopic in your car in cold or hot weather. Make sure the cap on the tube is tightly closed. Keep Protopic out of the reach of children.
Overdose:
An overdose with Protopic is highly unlikely to occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
More Information:
Do not use Protopic for a condition for which it was not prescribed. If you have any concerns about Protopic, ask your doctor. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you information about Protopic that was written for health care professionals.
Disclaimer: Our company does not promote, encourage or advocate the use of any narcotics or medications. You should consult your physician before taking any medications. Many of the sources found on this site will send you any narcotics, steroids, or medications that you request. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to check your government policy on the importation of any medications before ordering. This site is for informational purposes only. We do not sell any medications.
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