Tacrolimus Ointment 0.03% w/w

Tacrolimus is used in the treatment of a skin infection called eczema (atopic dermatitis). It does the treatment by weakening certain immune cells that cause inflammation(redness and swelling) of the skin. This ointment helps in relieving the itching and improves rashes. It should be made sure that this medicine is used for external use only, generally, it is used twice a day but you should use it as prescribed by your doctor.

It is generally applied to the affected area for the duration as prescribed by your doctor. The medicine should be applied gently on the skin until it is rubbed in. You should make sure that applying for the medicine the affected area should not cover with a plaster or bandage and if there is no improvement seen after the usage of the medicine then consultation with the doctor is required. It is generally a safe medicine with no side effects but if some side effects occur like itching, redness, or burning sensation then you should inform your doctor about it.

This medicine would make you a little sensitive to sunlight so you should limit your exposure to sunlight in order to avoid any harmful side effects on the skin. Your doctor should be fully aware of any pre-existing health condition that you are suffering from so that the doctor can tell you whether you should take the medication or discontinue it. Sometimes for a period of time, the doctor can ask you to not use the ointment in order to avoid any reaction to the pre-existing illness but after some time they can ask you to use the medicine. The medicine should be strictly used as prescribed by your doctor.

USES OF TACROLIMUS OINTMENT 0.03%

• It prevents organ rejection in transplant patients.

 PRECAUTIONS

• Alcohol consumption should be reduced as it might cause your skin to feel hot and it may also cause reddishness.
• If you are pregnant then you should your doctor before using it in order to make that it causes no harm to the unborn baby.
• It is generally safe for breastfeeding females but a consultation with your doctor is mandatory before using it.
• It is generally safe if you are using this medicine and driving a vehicle. It won’t cause any harm.
• If you have a history of kidney disease or are suffering from kidney disease then your doctor should be aware of it to avoid any harmful side effects.

Common Side-Effects of Tacrolimus Ointment 0.03%

• Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching, and redness)
• Diarrhea
• The increased glucose level in the blood
• Increased thirst
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain
• Warts
• Chickenpox
• Trouble breathing
• Severe Dizziness
• Muscle pain

Directions Of Use

• The medicine is recommended for external use only. The duration and dose are based on as prescribed by your doctor. The label should be checked for directions before use. The ointment should be applied gently to the affected area.

Storage

• It should be stored at a place whose temperature is below 30 Degrees Celsius.

FAQs

Q. What is TACROLIMUS 0.03% Ointment used for?

Ans. Tacrolimus 0.03% Ointment is a medicine that modulates the immune system. It works on the immune system and mostly decreases its activity. It is used to treat moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults who do not respond to steroids or develop side effects from using them. In atopic dermatitis, the skin’s immune system undergoes an overreaction and causes skin inflammation leading to itchiness, redness, and dryness. TACROLIMUS 0.03% Ointment acts on the abnormal immune response and alters it, thereby relieving skin inflammation and itchiness.

Q. What are the side effects of TACROLIMUS 0.03% Ointment?

Ans. Tacrolimus 0.03% Ointment, when applied to the skin, may cause skin irritation, burning sensation, and itching at the site of application. These are usually mild to moderate in severity and normally resolve within one week of starting the treatment. Redness is also a common manifestation along with a sensation of warmth, pain, altered sensation, and rash at the site of application. Using it increases the patient’s increased risk of getting inflamed or infected hair follicles, cold sores, acne, and generalized herpes simplex infections.

Q. Is TACROLIMUS 0.03% Ointment ointment safe?

Ans. As compared to other immune-suppressing medicines, Tacrolimus 0.03% Ointment has been found to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for atopic dermatitis. When applied on the affected part of the skin, its absorption into the blood and body is minimal. Hence, the side effects are less as compared to when taken through the oral route.

Q. Does TACROLIMUS 0.03% Ointment have abuse potential?

Ans. No, Tacrolimus0.03% Ointment does not have abuse potential and thus, is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances have the potential for abuse so they need permission from authorities and doctor for use.