Protopic ointment is for topical application only and relates to Tacrolimus, a immuno-suppressive drug designed to reduce the risk of organ rejection following treatment or surgery. It is also used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis as well as the vitiligo skin condition. Tacrolimus is a treatment mainly used for eczema but has proven to have had great benefit for Vitiligo sufferers. It comes from a rare soil bacterium found in Japan and is used to suppress the immune response. Experts have concluded that Vitiligo is results from the immune system’s generation of anti-bodies in pigment cells and the effect of protopic is to suppress this response in a localized area.
So the treatment is used to suppress inflammation in the same way as a steroid and is usually applied as a mid-potency steroid, but unlike other steroids, the Tacrolimus protopic ointment does not induce atrophy (a thinning of the skin) and other side effects associated with steroid application. Recent application has included treatment of partial vitiligo in children with facial discoloration. Frequent adverse effects in relation to the use of protopic include sensitivity, skin burning, itching, flu symptoms and headaches. Avoid application on identified or suspected malignant lesions and avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight.
It is important to use protopic exactly as prescribed and not increase dosage or extend it for long-term use. The drug is not considered suitable for children under the age of three years. Where the application is for a child under sixteen the ointment should be reduced to 0.03%. Higher 0.1% dosage is strictly for application by adults. Once the skin condition has cleared stopped using the ointment unless otherwise directed. Make sure the area to which the ointment is applied is clean and dry and use only a small amount to give a thin layer to the skin surface. Do not cover the area or bandage and do not shower or swim immediately following application. Store the protopic ointment at room temperature and consult your GP if the condition does not improve within 6 weeks.
Avoid sitting in the sun, sun lamps, tanning apparatus and UVA or UBV phototherapy treatments. If you plan to go outdoors, wear lose clothing over the treated skin and only block with sun screen under the strict direction of your doctor. Avoid alcohol and this may cause the skin or face to feel hot and become flushed or red. If you experience any problems with protopic application seek medical advice urgently particularly if the side effects include allergic reactions like hives, breathlessness, swollen face, glands, lips or throat. Immediately stop using protopic if you experience a worsening skin condition or skin reactions causing redness, itching or swelling or if you experience swelling of the glands, flue symptoms of feverishness and body aches and chills. Milder protopic side effects can occur in the initial days of treatment such as stinging, burning and soreness around the treated area, enlarged hair follicles, acne, stomach disorder and muscular aches and headaches. Stay in touch with your doctor and report and anxieties.
Protopic is the brand name of Tacrolimus topical and is available under prescription. Cited clinical studies include a comparison of Tacrolimus with clobetasol carried out in San Luis, Mexico and reviewed internationally. Twenty children suffering from Vitiligo where no previous therapy had been carried out for two months were enrolled in the study. Each child had the two same-sized lesions of the same evolution. One was treated with clobetasol propionate for two months, and one lesion with Tacrolimus. 18 (90%) out of the twenty witnessed some repigmentation, (49% for clobetasol and 41% for tacrolimus), so protopic was seen as almost as effective as clobetasol. Is is because Tacrolimus does not produce skin atrophy or other adverse effects it is felt to be very useful in the treatment of young patients.
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