Tacrolimus topical and Itching: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mar...
• February 5, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "My doctor prescribed this ointment in conjunction with memetasone cream. I had a severe reaction with red, hot, weepy, itchy, thin-feeling skin that bled with the lightest scratch. Per doctor, I stopped using memetasone and just used tacrolimus, from there, skin dried up and became very scaly, still itchy, thin-feeling, and painful. The ointment also made my skin feel very dry."

• kdu...
• January 14, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "I've had eczema for my entire life, but it started getting really bad around my eyes in the last year. It was super dry and flaky, and nothing seemed to work. I tried tacrolimus, and the first night I put it on, it burned and itched so bad. When I woke up the next morning, it was still mildly burning, but after two more uses, all symptoms stopped and my eczema began to clear. My face was clear within 5 uses, but I continue to use it every night. This ointment isn't any gooier than steroid creams I have been prescribed, and it actually works."

• Onc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "I think I was suffering from topical steroid withdrawal and tried to get off of them once my skin was dry, red, and flaky. I thought I was out of options until I remembered the Protopic generic, tacrolimus. I asked my doctor about it, and she was able to prescribe it to me. So far, it's cleared up my skin, although I do have red skin on my thighs. I get itchy and keep causing more eczema or sores due to scratching, and I'm unaware of the allergens causing it. It does burn, and I'm odd, I think it feels good sometimes, especially in the winter. I recommend it for eczema sufferers because I've used it in the past, and it's worked, and as an adult now, it's working again for me. Topical steroids have failed me."

• qrk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2017

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "Applied this to treat what looked like a mix of folliculitis and atopic dermatitis flares (but which turned out to be just atopic dermatitis) on both lower legs, especially the shins. Itchiness, redness, and dryness abated about 80% after one week without any initial irritations or burning sensation. There is no feeling of soreness or increased sensibility whatsoever, I've basically just stopped thinking about those problematic parts of my skin, so there's that passive psychological boost, too. Only 9/10 because long-term results are still unknown and because it's pretty greasy."

• tac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

For Atopic Dermatitis "I developed contact dermatitis because of an allergy to cosmetics. The doctor prescribed tacrolimus 0.03% and some antihistamine tablets. I used tacrolimus for 1 week. Initially, when I applied it, it really stung, the area felt hot, red, and itchy. I couldn't sleep well. But I kept on using it. After 4 days, my skin was soft, clear, and it was moisturized. It was greasy as hell. But it also moisturizes your skin because it has a kind of thick Vaseline texture. Please start with a low concentration of 0.03 to minimize side effects."

• Arc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 4, 2022

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "Like rubbing lava on my skin, makes me feel like I'm on fire, makes my skin redder and worse. Increases my stress levels, causing me to scratch more. The worst thing I have ever been prescribed for this condition."

• Cyb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2018

For Seborrheic Dermatitis "I have seborrheic dermatitis, and the skin issues on my face and forehead, behind the ear, neck, and chest can be handled quite easily with this cream. It is an expensive cream compared to other creams, but it works in my experience. Of course, it is not magical, and depending on the situation, it can take a week of application for me to get it under control. By that, I mean not so red or flaky or spots. Like others, I sometimes feel a little itchiness after application, but I'm guessing that's the cream at work. I don't know if there are any side effects, but I only tend to apply it if my condition flares up really badly to get it under control. It isn't a 100% cure, but at least it helps a lot for my skin problem. I'm living in Southeast Asia if that makes any difference."

• Ani...
• September 19, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "A few days back, I had been to my dermatologist. They recommended tacrolimus ointment to apply on the affected spots on my face, and from where I remembered, it itched so bad. I didn't have any burning sensation, though, but the itching was too severe, and my face was getting light reddish, too. I thought that it had some kind of allergic reaction with my skin. However, only in 2 days, the white spots started vanishing, and the itchiness subsided after 5 days, in 1 week, I got clear, smooth skin. It really did work (though it needs a lot of patience about the greasiness and for the annoying itching, but it really does work)."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "Eczema has met its match. I was born with the stuff and used topical cortisone products my entire life with poor results. Finally, I tried Dupixent, and it cleared my skin up nicely but caused horrible conjunctivitis. It felt like it took all that eczema and shoved it into my eyes. I finally had to go off the Dupixent, and my dermatologist referred me to an allergist who prescribed tacrolimus. I got it just as my eyes were getting better and the rest of my body getting worse. I cannot believe how effective the tacrolimus ointment is. Yes, if you apply it to inflamed eczema, it will itch and sting, and I keep a supply of lidocaine cream for this, but it has cleared up very stubborn eczema very quickly, and where I have used it, no eczema has returned so far. I hope it keeps working. No, it is not a cure, but probably as close to a cure as you can get right now."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2020

For Atopic Dermatitis "Well, most of the comments on here are written by lucky, lucky people. It didn’t "cure" me in 2 days. I’m 2 weeks in, and there is only a tiny bit of positive change on ONE of my 16 patches (and it’s ON MY FACE, so I was very hopeful). Lucky you if it works in 2 days-if it’s true, I totally envy you. It does itch and burn the first few days, but you’ll get through it. My skin felt very hot as well, even after 10 hours and more from the application. It’s still itching a bit now; it made some of my patches very red and raw. I almost gave up a few times, but I will continue to use it twice a day until I have my skin biopsy result in 10 days. Oh, and if you are in Canada and don’t have insurance, this product costs around $100 (a heads-up is always good, especially when spending that much money for something that doesn’t work in 2 days like all of these people said)."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "What a waste of money. I used the first tube of Tacrolimus 0.1% and saw no results for my bumps and awful itching. Well, I thought the medication took a while to work, and I am now almost through my second tube, and it still doesn't work. Each tube cost me $129, and that was only the part I paid, insurance paid the most. It is a worthless drug for me. I still crazy itch. Don't waste your money. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone works as well at a fraction of the price, and it's not as super greasy as Tacrolimus. I am so disappointed."

• mon...
• May 7, 2019

For Atopic Dermatitis "My eczema has worsened to areas around my eyes and neck, which was so embarrassing I stayed home and didn't work for months. I tried many prescribed antibiotics, steroids, new soaps, lotions, creams - my list is as long as yours. Finally, I tried Tacrolimus 0.03% for the eczema and experienced insane itch and burn at the sites applied - like extreme! Scratching and sweating made it even worse. But sure enough, after 2-3 days of use, the sites cleared. I was instructed at first to use the Tacro only to 'break the cycle,' but after recurring breakouts on off days, I use it in a preventive manner as well. The black label is a little scary, but my doctors have assured me that this is the best option and is safe to use. Overall, the side effects are terrible, but so is the eczema, so why not give it a try? My insurance covers most of the cost (although I'm told the 0.1% is more difficult to get covered), and I paid $10 out of pocket."

• d61...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "2/4/22 I woke up to red, swollen eyes. I went to my primary care doctor, who prescribed prednisone. The medication made the swelling go away. When I was done with the steroids, the swelling would immediately come back. I was on 3 rounds of steroids, including a steroid shot. My doctor could not determine the cause of the swelling. I was sent to see a dermatologist, rheumatologist, and allergist. All of my blood work came back negative for an autoimmune disease (they thought the swelling was possibly lupus). The allergist finally prescribed Protopic last week. It was very expensive, not covered by insurance, but I was willing to try anything. I needed to get off steroids since I had been on them since February. I started the Protopic Tuesday, and this is Thursday, and my eyes look like they are improving. When I apply the ointment, it does burn and itch, but it is manageable for me. If it helps stop the swelling and I don't have to miss work, then I will deal with the minor side effect."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2020

For Atopic Dermatitis "I have been using tacrolimus cream for about a month. My skin is itching, but only around my edges area. I don't know if it's normal or not. Other than that, my skin isn't dry and ashy like it was before. If I could get rid of these lil bumps (itchy), I'd give it a 95, but for now it's a 67."

• jew...
• March 17, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "After using triamcinolone and then betamethasone dipropionate last night, I used Protopic generic 0.1. I thought I would go out of my mind. I have red spots on both arms, the back part of my neck, and my chest. The burning and itching were so severe. I had to take 2 generic Valiums, Allegra 24, and Advil with ice packs to help calm it down. Developed more redness under my left breast, which got redder. I'm afraid to put it on today, Saturday. I also found out I have a nickel cobalt allergy. I'm so depressed. I just lost my 16-year-old Yorkie last week, so I'm stressed more. These doctors prescribe and don't treat you."

• Itc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "I was a bit nervous to use this after reading the reviews. Going through TSW, though no doctor or dermatologist will agree. A very bad flare-up after cortisone exposure made me desperate - tacrolimus time! I experienced extreme itching and a lot of heat a few hours after 1st application. Tried to cool off with air-con, but if I got a bit too cold and tried to go under the blanket, the heat would intensify. So yes, tricky to sleep the first couple of nights. The third day was easier with minimal heat and itch. Basically, all eczema cleared by day 3. If I scratch the treated skin, it burns a bit - good! Stop me from scratching. I got a bit squirmish on day 2 and 3, and even had mild fever symptoms. I was sitting around at home anyway, staying out of the sun, so I didn't get too bothered by these extra symptoms. Hoping eczema stays away for long enough to make it worth the 2 yucky, hot, itchy nights! Note, I used it on my arms and legs as well as my neck."

• Pet...
• May 30, 2018

"I have lichen atrophicus (autoimmune) around the perianal area. Itchy, especially when sweaty or at night. An application of Protopic as a thin layer seems to quench the itching and make me forget I have the condition for a few days. I do it as single isolated treatments as needed, which is good given the cost."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "I just got this because my eczema has gotten bad on my feet. I still itch a little, but I just started using it. My doctor gave me this and I assumed it would work ASAP, but so far I'm 50/50 on it. I will let you know in a month the real results."

• Sul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "If you want to know what it feels like to pour ghost pepper juice in your eyes while swimming in lava, then this ointment is for you! Within 10 mins of my first application, I instantly felt ill to my stomach. Now, cue hell’s fiery wrath. The most unbearable burning/stinging/itching all over me. I would rather lay my face on a hot burner than experience this ever again. Encore anyone? Vomiting and back pain joined the party. 3 hrs after applying this on my skin, and I feel, well, exactly the same. The doc who prescribed this volcano lube to me never informed me this would be an option. Guess he was having a bad day. Either way, everyone has different effects, but I assure you, after nearly 20 years of battling my chronic/severe eczema, I truly would rather suffer with that than wait for these horrific side effects to subside."

• MSS...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2019

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "This was a nightmare for the first week, awake all night, itching and burning. The doctor warned me about this and told me to stick it out, so glad I did. Gave me my life back."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2018

Tacrolimus topical for Perioral Dermatitis "Works great on some areas. Inverse area where there is sensitive skin, like armpits, groin. Maybe it might work if it didn’t cause an unbearable itch and burning, causing more damage."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2017

For Perioral Dermatitis "I have perioral dermatitis. The rash has worsened. My face looks horrible. There is itching, burning, and redness."