Tacrolimus topical

Tacrolimus topical (for the skin) is used for a short time to treat moderate to severe eczema in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

tacrolimus topical is not for use in people who have a weak immune system.

Tacrolimus may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use tacrolimus topical only on skin that has eczema. Avoid applying it to any area that may have skin cancer.

Do not take by mouth. This topical medicine is for skin use only.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are treating a hand condition.

Use only a small amount of medicine. Apply a thin layer and rub it in gently.

Right after applying tacrolimus, you may need to use a moisturizing cream or lotion to prevent your skin from getting too dry. Ask your doctor which cream or lotion is best to use.

Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor instructs you to.

Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying tacrolimus topical. Water may wash away the medicine.

Tacrolimus topical is not for long-term use. Stop using this medicine when your eczema symptoms clear up, unless your doctor advises otherwise. You may need to take a short break from using tacrolimus topical if you need to repeat this treatment.

Call your doctor if:

• your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 6 weeks;
• you get viral infections more easily, such as chickenpox or herpes (cold sores or shingles); or
• your symptoms return after treatment with tacrolimus ointment.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

tacrolimus topical is not for long-term use. A small number of people using tacrolimus, or another similar medication, have developed skin cancer or lymphoma. However, it is not known if tacrolimus causes cancer.

Use this medicine only on skin affected by eczema. Avoid applying it to areas that may be affected by skin cancer.

You should not use tacrolimus if you are allergic to it.

Tacrolimus ointment in 0.03% or 0.1% strengths may be used by adults and children 16 years and older. Only the 0.03% strength should be used on a child 2 to 15 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• skin cancer (melanoma);
• a bacterial or viral skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox);
• Netherton's syndrome (a genetic skin disorder); or
• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).

A small number of people using tacrolimus, or another similar medication have developed skin cancer or lymphoma. However, it is not known if tacrolimus causes cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding before starting this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tacrolimus topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe pain, burning, itching, or stinging;
• new or worsened skin symptoms (warts, unusual rash or skin lesions, blistering or oozing);
• a mole that has changed in size or color; or
• symptoms of a viral skin infection--cold sores around your mouth, skin sores or blisters, scabs, itching, tingling.

Common side effects of tacrolimus topical may include:

• burning, stinging, itching, or tingling of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);
• viral skin infection;
• your skin being more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures;
• acne, redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• upset stomach;
• headache, muscle pain;
• runny or stuffy nose; or
• fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolveComments:-If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

2 to 15 years: 0.03% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve0.1% ointment: Safety and efficacy have not been established16 years and older:0.03 or 0.1% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolveComment:-If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Avoid getting tacrolimus topical in your eyes or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Avoid sunlight, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with ultraviolet light. Wear loose clothing over treated skin. Ask your doctor before using sunscreen on treated skin.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with tacrolimus topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Drinking alcohol while using this medicine can cause flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) on your skin or face.

Other drugs may affect tacrolimus topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.