Protopic is an ointment for moderate to severe types of eczema, such as discoid eczema (a chronic skin condition that causes circular patches of swollen and itchy skin).
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Protopic is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant, and it’s part of a class of medicines called calcineurin inhibitors. It’s an ointment used for various types of eczema, including discoid eczema, and it works by reducing the inflammation that causes red, swollen, dry, and itchy skin.
Protopic is officially approved for treating atopic dermatitis, but clinicians also use it to treat other skin conditions like discoid eczema, even though this use is called ‘off-label’. Off-label means it's used for a condition it hasn't been officially licensed for. Don’t worry though, there's a wealth of research supporting Protopic's use in this way. Still, if you're considering it for discoid eczema, it's best to have a chat with a clinician to ensure it's the right choice for you.
It’s generally used as an alternative for you if you can’t use corticosteroids (which tend to be the first line of treatment). But where corticosteroid creams are generally only recommended for flare-ups to avoid skin thinning, Protopic can be used for long-term management and prevention if you tend to have more than four flare-ups per year.
How does Protopic work?
Although more research is needed to fully understand how tacrolimus works to improve dermatitis conditions, there are some notable observations. The active ingredient tacrolimus monohydrate is thought to attach to a protein called immunophilin FKBP12, which inhibits the activation and proliferation of T-cells (a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses). This stops certain chemical signals and overactivity from happening, and prevents the production of certain proteins that cause inflammation in the skin.
In animal studies, the use of tacrolimus ointment helped reduce inflammation in skin conditions that were similar to atopic dermatitis in humans. It also didn't make the skin thinner or cause any damage to the animals. It was also found to not affect collagen production in humans.
What doses of Protopic are available?
There are two strengths of Protopic available: 0.03% and 0.1%. One gram of 0.1% Protopic ointment contains 1.0mg of tacrolimus monohydrate. The lower strength of Protopic (0.03%) is usually reserved for children under the age of 16, but your clinician may prescribe you this dose first depending on the severity of your condition.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Protopic
Make sure to follow your clinician’s instructions on how to use Protopic to get the best from it.
For flare-ups, use Protopic twice a day (morning and evening) until your symptoms clear.
For regular maintenance, use it twice a week — leaving two to three days between applications. Your condition will be reviewed every twelve months.
Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying Protopic.
Apply it in a thin layer to the affected areas.
Wash your hands after applying Protopic, unless you’ve used it on your hands.
How long does Protopic take to work?
The time it takes for your eczema to improve can depend on how severe it is. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks to notice the difference. If you don’t see any improvement after two weeks, it might be worth a chat with your clinician to explore other options.
What happens if I make a mistake using Protopic?
If you accidentally ingest the ointment, seek medical help immediately.
If you forget to apply Protopic, use it as soon as you remember. And then continue your routine as normal.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Protopic
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How safe and effective is Protopic?
Answer:
For moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis, Protopic has proven to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in various studies. For long-term management, studies have shown it to be effective and well-tolerated for six months to four year periods.
And when compared to corticosteroids over a six-month period, the active ingredient tacrolimus (0.1%) had a response rate of 71.6%, in contrast to topical corticosteroids, which had a response rate of 50.8%. The response rate in this study was measured as anything greater than 60% improvement in mEASI (modified Eczema Area and Severity Index) after three months.
How is Protopic different from other discoid eczema treatments?
Answer:
For patients who have not responded well to corticosteroids or have had an adverse reaction to them, Protopic is an alternative treatment option. Unlike topical corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation and immune responses on the skin's surface, Protopic uses tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant agent that targets specific cells that cause inflammation.
One major advantage of Protopic is that it may be better for long-term use (especially in sensitive areas) as it has fewer side effects like skin thinning. It’s also effective in preventing future flare-ups.
Will I get side effects from using Protopic?
Answer:
Like all medicines, Protopic can also cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. A common side effect of Protopic is a burning or itching sensation at the site of application, but this tends to be a mild effect and will go away within a week of using the ointment.
Some other common side effects include:
redness;
warmth;
pain;
increased skin sensitivity (especially to temperature changes);
tingling;
rash;
local skin infection;
cold sores; and:
flushing after drinking alcohol.
If you’re concerned about any of these side effects, let your clinician know.
Are there alternative treatments to Protopic?
Answer:
Usually, with chronic skin conditions like atopic and discoid dermatitis, using a combination of treatments is an effective way to manage and treat your rash. Emollients are a type of moisturiser that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin, and you’ll use them all the time to help lock in moisture.
Topical corticosteroids can also be used for flare-ups to target the affected areas specifically. If you have a severe case of eczema that gets infected, antibiotics can help treat the infection. Antihistamines may help you with any allergens that may be causing your flare-up as well as suppress itching.
Do I need a prescription for Protopic?
Answer:
Yes. Protopic uses an immunosuppressive agent, so a clinician will need to check that it’s the safest and most suitable treatment for your condition. They will want to make sure that you’ve tried other alternatives like corticosteroids first, and look at the severity of your symptoms to help them make the right decision.
Why should you buy Protopic online with us?
Answer:
Chronic skin conditions like eczema can be draining to deal with. But when you choose us, you can speak to our clinician for advice and get a prescription all in one process. Just select the treatment you want and get it delivered in one working day. We’ll also stay in touch to make sure your medication is working well for you. And if you’ve got anything you want to ask or say, you can reach out to us at any time.
Safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (Protopic) in atopic dermatitis: a Canadian open-label multicenter study. J Cutan Med Surg. 2004 Jul-Aug;8(4):213-9. doi: 10.1007/s10227-003-0115-z. PMID: 16091997.
US Tacrolimus Ointment Study Group. Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment treatment for up to 4 years in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Aug;53(2 Suppl 2):S186-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.04.062. PMID: 16021174.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
