Ointment that restores your skin pigment.
Protopic is a topical ointment that can be used off-label to treat vitiligo. It comes in two different strengths, and can be applied directly to affected areas of skin.
Our medical experts can help you choose the right treatment. Order Protopic online, and get it delivered to your door by the next working day.
Protopic belongs to a group of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI). They are classed as ‘immunomodulating agents’. The active ingredient in Protopic is tacrolimus monohydrate (tacrolimus). The ointment is one of two TCIs, the other being pimecrolimus cream, which is sold as the brand Elidel.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to destroy melanocytes, cells in your skin that are responsible for melanin production. Melanin gives your skin its pigment, along with your hair and eyes. Because of this lack of melanin, pale patches develop on different parts of the body of vitiligo sufferers. These light areas of skin can occur anywhere on the body, but typically show up on the face, hands, neck and in the creases of your skin.
TCIs like Protopic treat vitiligo by suppressing your immune system, so it no longer destroys melanocytes. Without this destruction of melanocytes, melanin is produced, which can help change the colour of your affected areas of skin.
It might take months before your skin pigment changes to the extent you want it to, but using tacrolimus twice a day has been proven to help treat vitiligo.
Protopic ointment is available in two strengths: 0.03% and 0.1%. A clinician will advise you about which strength they think will work best for your condition.
For eczema, the ointment is typically applied twice a day — once in the morning, and again in the evening. This might be the dosage routine you’re advised to stick to while trying to change your skin pigment, but it might differ person-to-person.
In a 2009 study that looked at using tacrolimus to treat facial vitiligo, a twice daily application proved to be an effective treatment routine.
How we source info.
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.
Apply a thin layer of Protopic to any areas of skin affected by vitiligo. The ointment can be used on all parts of the body, including your face, neck, and any areas where your joints bend (flexures).
Try to avoid applying the ointment to any mucous membranes (such as the nose and mouth).
Because Protopic is used off-label to treat vitiligo, there aren’t a great deal of studies to say how long the ointment takes to affect skin pigmentation. It will likely vary person-to-person, as no two cases of vitiligo are the same.
Skin repigmentation can be a lengthy process, and it might be a while before you start to see changes. Changes in skin pigment are typically monitored after 6 months, so you might be advised to stick with Protopic for this long before you and a clinician decide whether the ointment is working.
Protopic has a better chance of working effectively if you stick to the dosage routine recommended by your clinician. If you forget to apply the ointment at your usual time, use it as soon as you remember. There’s no need to apply more ointment than normal to make up for a missed dose, as it might increase the chances of you getting side effects.
If you swallow some ointment accidentally, get urgent help at your nearest hospital.
How we source info.
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.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Safety and Efficacy of Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1% (ProtopicTM) in Atopic Dermatitis: A Canadian Open-Label Multicenter Study. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, vol. 8, no. 4, Aug. 2004, pp. 213–219.
Effectiveness and Safety of Topical Tacrolimus Monotherapy for Repigmentation in Vitiligo: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, vol. 91, no. 2, Apr. 2016, pp. 187–195.
Vitiligo - Treatment. Nhs.uk, 20 Oct. 2017. (Accessed 21 July 2023).
Determination of Skin Repigmentation Progression. IEEE Xplore, 1 Aug. 2007. (Accessed 18 Dec. 2022.)
Response of Vitiligo to Once- vs. Twice-Daily Topical Tacrolimus: A Controlled Prospective, Randomized, Observer-Blinded Trial. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, vol. 23, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2009, pp. 951–953.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Always arrives on time and I’m kept informed of progress.
I have had it previously from my G.P so It worked as expected, extremely well. My problem is an accessing my G.P practice, they put ED well down their list of priorities. I found your service excellent, quick and efficient. I fully intend to continue using it
Shipping is speedy and the product is amazing.
Fast, slick service. Very easy to amend subscription when required.
All good.
Great service
Really helped me
Trusted service and great service - next day delivery and I can rely on them to send regularly.
Ordering was straight forward, tablets delivered promptly and well packaged, and instructions were clear, thanks.
100% recomended.Great service
Excellent service
Excellent delivery. Can’t fault.
Quick and efficient service, delivered discreetly the next day. Thank you.
Effective
Great service, no wait time
Great
Quick assessing for medicine suitability. Quick delivery and good communication throughout.
Straightforward and quick service!
Good however communication could sometimes be better
Easy and good procedure to get treatment
Excellent product
Excellent service!!! Ordered what I needed sent a picture of my prescription and the parcel arrived the next day!!! Will definitely order again and have recommended to others!!!
Fast shipping
Very quick service all round
So quick and simple. Recommend
Great
Very convenient hassle free service.
Easy to use good communication and fast shipping
Great service
Efficient no issues re delivery
Fabulous service
Brilliant service. Not a bad word to say!
It was fast, professional and it's the right med for what I selected in there.
This review requires content. Oh well..
Great service, quite effortless.
Top notch
Brill service
N/a
Excellent service quick and easy to use
Fast and exact order
Superb service and quick delivery 10/10
Excellent service
Thank you for fast delivery
Shipping is extremely quick and satisfiying
Good stuff
Good service
Great fast delivery
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
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.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
We’ve sent you an email asking you to confirm your email address.