Description
Protopic is an ointment that contains the active substance tacrolimus (0.1% and 0.03%).
Protopic is used to treat ‘flare-ups’ (recurrence or worsening) of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema, an itchy red rash of the skin). ‘Atopic’ means that the dermatitis is linked to an allergy. Protopic is used in patients aged two years and above who do not respond well to or do not tolerate conventional treatments such as locally applied corticosteroids.
Protopic can also be used to prevent flare-ups of the disease or prolong the time that patients are free from flare-ups. In maintenance treatment, it is used in patients who usually have four or more flare-ups per year and who have had a response to an initial course of Protopic used twice a day for up to six weeks.
How should I take Protopic?
While Protopic 0.03% can be used in all patients over two years of age, Protopic 0.1% is only used in adults and adolescents over 16 years of age.
The ointment should be applied as a thin layer to the skin.
When used for flare-ups, Protopic can be used for short-term and intermittent long-term treatment, but it should not be used continuously on a long-term basis. Protopic treatment should begin as soon as symptoms appear. Each affected area is treated twice a day with Protopic until the skin is clear. Generally, improvement is seen within one week of starting treatment. If there is no improvement after two weeks, the doctor should consider other treatment options. Children should use Protopic 0.03% twice a day for up to three weeks before reducing the frequency to once a day. Adults should start treatment with Protopic 0.1% twice a day but should switch to less frequent application or use of the lower strength (0.03%) as the condition improves.
When used as maintenance treatment, Protopic should be applied twice a week to areas of the skin commonly affected by the disease. If there are signs of a flare-up, treatment should revert to twice a day as above. The doctor should review the need to continue maintenance treatment after a year. In children, this should include suspension of treatment to allow the doctor to assess whether continued treatment for the disease is necessary.
What side effects can occur from Protopic?
Please review pamphlet found in the medicine box for side effects or visit the official website of the medicine.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.