Protopic is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of your body's immune system.
Protopic topical is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema).
How to use this product
? Apply Protopic topical 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 topical to treat a hand condition.
? Apply a thin layer of Protopic topical 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 topical twice a day, about 12 hours apart, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
? Use Protopic topical on the skin. Do not swallow this medication.
? Before applying Protopic topical 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 topical.
? Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying Protopic topical. This could wash off the ointment.
? Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using Protopic topical as instructed by your doctor. Protopic topical 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 topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Side effects
You may experience an mild allergic reaction. These side effects are most common during the first few days of treatment and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis heal.
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.
Precautions
Do not use Protopic topical without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome.
Before using Protopic topical, 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.).
? You may not be able to use Protopic topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
? Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment.
? Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Protopic topical.
? 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 topical, 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 topical. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with Protopic topical:
? 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).
