Tacrolimus topical and Swelling: What Users Say

• Hap...
• May 18, 2016

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "A drug may work well for some, and not so well for others. I am happy to report that Protopic is pretty much a miracle drug for me. I had developed a severe case of blepharitis, or contact dermatitis, around my eyes. They were red, itching, flaking, burning, and swollen. I looked and felt like hell. Within 24 hours, I was 75% better. And a few days later, symptoms were pretty much gone. I continued to use it for approximately 3 weeks. Now, when a symptom starts to flare up, I apply it for only a day or so to control it."

• sta...
• April 25, 2016

For Atopic Dermatitis "I have suffered like many others for years with rubbish skin. Had every steroid under the sun but wanted to try and stop the problem from happening in the first place. I was prescribed Protopic. Yes, at first it burns like hell, but that to me is it working, and I suffer it. As I continue to use it, this burning doesn't happen, and it has left me with lovely skin. I have found, however, that I did not apply on the Thursday and had some alcohol on the Friday, thinking the cream would be out of my system, but definitely not! My face became very flushed when I started drinking, but then calmed down. My eyelids and the area around the eye were completely swollen the following morning and have just got worse.... will need to monitor this."

• boo...
• January 31, 2018

For Atopic Dermatitis "This medication feels like putting salt in a wound. I was prescribed this for severe hand eczema after steroids failed to control it. I would rather not be treated at all than suffer the two hours of intense burning pain and swelling that happens with every application. My skin is worse after using this."

• Tac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2023

For Perioral Dermatitis "I have been using this for six months along with antibiotics. Around the outside of my lips have recovered. My lips, however, have not. If I stop using either med, I get fully swollen and peeling again. I have been living with this for 18 months and constant burning, swollen, red lips."

• Mic...
• January 6, 2017

For Atopic Dermatitis "I used other medications prescribed by 2 dermatologists and my family doc for rosacea for about 7 years with only minor efficacy. (Onraltea does hide it though.) A 'senior' dermatologist diagnosed the problem as eczema and prescribed Protopic 0.1%. I used it as prescribed for 5 or 6 months, and it seemed to be controlling the redness. I stopped applying it for a few weeks while having facial laser treatments. When I next applied Protopic one week ago, my skin burned, swelled, and became extremely dry and flaky. The burn/swelling problem continues and is being treated. Full disclosure: I had the same experience with the rosacea medication Rosiver."

• Vda...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2021

Tacrolimus topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I was given this by my dermatologist for my eczema. Was not told it would burn or that it had a black box for cancer. Said it was safe to use on eyelid eczema. Now I have the droopiest and swollen eyelids because of it. The areas where Protopic were used also have increased flakiness and are prone to breakdowns."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2021

For Atopic Dermatitis "The worst medication ever, do not use around eyes. My eyes have been burning for more than 18 hours, and my face is starting to swell. Really scary and would never try again."