Tacrolimus ointment

What is this medication?

TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) is used on the skin to treat eczema.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Protopic

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Immune system problems
• Infection especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
• Large areas of burned or damaged skin
• Netherton's syndrome
• Recent or ongoing radiation
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area. Before applying this medication, the affected area should be patted dry. Do not cover the area with a dressing (bandage). You can wear normal clothing to cover the affected area. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying this medication as it may wash off.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• alcoholic beverages or medicines containing high percentages of alcohol
• calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine
• certain medicines used to treat fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole
• cimetidine
• erythromycin
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Improvements to your skin may occur after the first few weeks of treatment. Even though your skin looks better, it is important to keep using the ointment as instructed by your health care provider. Tell your health care professional if your condition does not get better within the first few weeks of treatment or if it gets worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.While you are using this medicine, drinking alcohol may cause the skin or face to become flushed or red and feel hot. Let your health care provider know if you notice such reactions, especially if they bother you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chickenpox infection
• cold sores or shingles
• extreme tiredness
• skin bleeding or change in your skin's appearance (color, change in a mole or freckle, new growth)
• skin infection or infection of hair follicles
• swollen glands

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• increased sensitivity of the skin to hot or cold temperatures
• irritation at the site or sites where you apply this medicine including stinging, soreness, a burning feeling, tingling, or itching
• muscle pains
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.