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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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In the U.S.—
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Tacrolimus ( ta-KROE-li-mus) ointment is used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This is a skin condition where there is itching, redness and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction. Tacrolimus helps to suppress these symptoms which are a reaction caused by the body's immune system. It can be used for short-term or long-term intermittent treatment. It is often used when other types of treatment are not working or not tolerated by the patient.
Tacrolimus is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using tacrolimus ointment must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tacrolimus ointment, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Tacrolimus ointment has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that tacrolimus taken orally causes birth defects. Tacrolimus taken orally has been associated with kidney problems and high potassium concentrations in the blood of newborn infants. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding— Tacrolimus applied as a topical ointment may pass into the breast milk, and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
Children—Some side effects may occur more or less often in children than they do in adult patients. This medicine has not been tested in children under 2 years of age.
Older adults—Tacrolimus ointment has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Infections in the affected areas should be treated before starting treatment with tacrolimus ointment.
Dry skin completely before applying tacrolimus ointment.
Wash hand thoroughly after applying tacrolimus ointment, if hands are not any area for treatment.
Dosing—
The dose of tacrolimus ointment will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of tacrolimus ointment. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Your doctor will want to make sure the tacrolimus ointment is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Report any adverse reactions or side effects to your doctor.
Use this medicine only for the condition for which it was prescribed by your doctor.
Tacrolimus ointment may increase the risk of skin tumors, when patients are also exposed to sunlight. The association between topical tacrolimus and the incidence of skin tumors has not been proven. When you begin taking this medicine:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |