Protopic (0.1% Ointment)
Generic name: Tacrolimus 0.1% Ointment [ ta-KROE-li-mus ]
Brand name: Protopic
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 18, 2024.
Warning
All products:- Long-term safety of Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) is not known. Lymphoma, skin cancer, and other types of cancer have rarely happened in people treated with Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment). It is not known if Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) caused this effect. Do not use Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) without a break for a long time unless told to do so by the doctor. Use only on the affected skin. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children younger than 16 years of age. Talk with the doctor.
Uses of Protopic:
- It is used to treat eczema.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Protopic?
- If you have an allergy to tacrolimus or any other part of Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment).
- If you are allergic to Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment); any part of Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Skin areas that have cancers or pre-cancers, a skin disease called Netherton's syndrome, other skin problems that may weaken the skin, a skin infection (including chicken pox or herpes), or a weak immune system.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Protopic?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
- Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
- Do not have any kind of light therapy while you are using Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment).
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- Have your skin checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- It is common to have burning, stinging, soreness, or itching where Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) is put on. Most of the time, these happen during the first few days of treatment and go away as skin gets better. Call your doctor if any of these effects are very bad, bother you, or do not go away.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Protopic) best taken?
Use Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- Wash your hands before use.
- Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
- Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
- Do not put on healthy skin.
- If you are not treating the skin on your hands, wash your hands after use.
- Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.
- Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after putting on.
- Stop Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) when health problem is gone.
- If your signs do not get better after 6 weeks of care, talk with your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Related/similar drugs
Dupixent, prednisone, Temovate, Lidex, Clobex, Clobevate
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Fever.
- Ear pain.
- Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain.
- A skin lump or growth.
- Swollen gland.
- Muscle pain.
What are some other side effects of Protopic?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Skin tingling.
- Skin irritation.
- Not able to handle heat or cold.
- Headache.
- Cough.
- Stuffy nose.
- Flu-like signs.
- Pimples (acne).
- Hair bumps.
- Upset stomach.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Protopic?
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) is refilled. If you have any questions about Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1% ointment), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about Protopic (tacrolimus topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (94)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.