Protopic

Protopic is a medicine known as an immunosuppressant and belongs to a group called calcineurin inhibitors. It's an ointment used to treat different forms of eczema, such as discoid eczema. It helps by calming the inflammation that leads to red, swollen, dry, and itchy skin.

Protopic is officially approved for treating atopic dermatitis, but doctors often use it for other skin conditions like discoid eczema, even though this is known as 'off-label' use. 'Off-label' simply means it's being used for a condition it hasn't been officially licensed for. There's no need to worry, as there's plenty of research backing Protopic's use in this manner. However, if you're thinking about using it for discoid eczema, it's a good idea to discuss it with a doctor to make sure it's suitable for you.

It's usually an option for you if corticosteroids aren't suitable, as they're often the first choice for treatment. While corticosteroid creams are typically advised only during flare-ups to prevent skin thinning, Protopic can be used for ongoing management and prevention if you experience more than four flare-ups a year.

While more research is needed to completely understand how tacrolimus helps with dermatitis, there are some important insights. Tacrolimus monohydrate, the active ingredient, is believed to bind to a protein known as immunophilin FKBP12. This action blocks the activation and growth of T-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. As a result, it stops certain chemical signals and reduces overactivity, preventing the production of proteins that lead to skin inflammation.

In animal studies, tacrolimus ointment was shown to reduce inflammation in skin conditions similar to atopic dermatitis in humans. It didn't thin the skin or cause any harm to the animals. Additionally, it was found not to impact collagen production in humans.

Protopic comes in two strengths: 0.03% and 0.1%. In the 0.1% Protopic ointment, each gram contains 1.0mg of tacrolimus monohydrate. The 0.03% strength is typically used for children under 16, but your doctor might start you on this strength based on how severe your condition is.

Protopic has been shown in various studies to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. For long-term use, it has been found to work well and be well-tolerated over periods ranging from six months to four years.

Over six months, the active ingredient tacrolimus (0.1%) showed a response rate of 71.6%, compared to topical corticosteroids, which had a response rate of 50.8%.

In this study, a response rate was defined as achieving more than a 60% improvement in the mEASI (modified Eczema Area and Severity Index) after three months.

If corticosteroids haven't worked for you or you've had a bad reaction to them, Protopic could be another treatment choice. Unlike topical corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and immune responses on the skin's surface, Protopic contains tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant that targets specific cells responsible for inflammation.

One of the main benefits of Protopic is that it might be more suitable for long-term use, particularly on sensitive areas, because it has fewer side effects such as skin thinning. Additionally, it helps in preventing future flare-ups.

As with any medication, Protopic may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. A typical side effect is a burning or itching feeling where the ointment is applied. However, this is usually mild and should disappear within a week of starting treatment.

Other common side effects may include:

If you're worried about any of these side effects, please inform your clinician.

For chronic skin conditions such as atopic and discoid dermatitis, a combination of treatments often works well to manage and treat your rash. Emollients, which are a type of moisturiser, can soothe and hydrate your skin. You'll use them regularly to help keep moisture in.

Topical corticosteroids are useful for flare-ups, as they can be applied directly to the affected areas. If your eczema is severe and becomes infected, antibiotics can be used to treat the infection. Antihistamines might help if allergens are triggering your flare-up, and they can also reduce itching.

Yes, Protopic contains an immunosuppressive agent, so a healthcare professional will need to ensure it's the safest and most appropriate treatment for you. They'll want to confirm that you've already tried other options like corticosteroids and assess how severe your symptoms are to decide if it's the right choice.