Protopic

Protopic is part of a group of medicines known as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI), which are considered 'immunomodulating agents'. The active ingredient in Protopic is tacrolimus monohydrate (tacrolimus). This ointment is one of two TCIs available, with the other being pimecrolimus cream, marketed under the brand name Elidel.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells in your skin that produce melanin. Melanin is what gives colour to your skin, hair, and eyes. When there's not enough melanin, pale patches appear on the skin of those with vitiligo. These lighter patches can form anywhere on the body, but they often appear on the face, hands, neck, and in the folds of your skin.

TCIs, such as Protopic, help treat vitiligo by calming your immune system. This prevents it from attacking melanocytes, allowing melanin to be produced. As a result, the colour of the affected areas of your skin can improve.

It may take several months for your skin pigment to change as much as you'd like, but using tacrolimus twice daily has been shown to help treat vitiligo.

Protopic ointment comes in two strengths: 0.03% and 0.1%. Your clinician will recommend the strength they believe is most suitable for your condition.

For eczema, you'll usually apply the ointment twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. This could be the routine you're recommended to follow if you're trying to change your skin pigment, but it can vary from person to person.

A study from 2009 found that applying tacrolimus twice a day was an effective way to treat facial vitiligo.

The most common way to treat vitiligo is by using a topical corticosteroid. However, using corticosteroids for an extended period can lead to side effects such as skin thinning and acne.

For this reason, managing vitiligo with these treatments usually requires your GP's supervision.

If you have non-segmental vitiligo, which is the most common type and affects both sides of your body, topical corticosteroids are often prescribed. This is typically the case if the condition covers less than 10% of your body.

Protopic is a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI), similar to pimecrolimus. It works by preventing your immune system from attacking the skin cells that produce melanin, known as melanocytes. This protection allows melanin to be produced, which helps to restore the skin's colour.

The amount of Protopic you’ll be given will depend on a few things, like the size of the skin area you need to treat and the skin pigment you want to achieve with the ointment.

A clinician will recommend the dose they believe you should begin with. If you're given the lower dose of 0.03% ointment and don't notice the desired results, you can switch to the 0.1% version, provided our medical experts consider it safe.

We can't guarantee whether you'll experience any side effects when using Protopic. Every medication can cause side effects, but since everyone reacts differently, you might not have any at all.

The patient information leaflet that comes with your medication includes a list of all the potential side effects you might experience. More than 1 in 10 people using the ointment report increased skin sensitivity, tingling, and redness.

If you think Protopic is causing acne, brown spots (lentigo), or swelling (oedema) on the areas where you've applied it, stop using the ointment and get in touch with a clinician. You may need to consider a different treatment.

A study examining the use of Protopic for treating atopic dermatitis found it to be safe and effective over a six-month period. Both children and adults in the trial tolerated it well, and any side effects, such as a burning sensation after applying it, were short-lived. This suggests that Protopic is generally a safe treatment option.

It's probably best to avoid alcohol while using the ointment, as it can make your face and skin feel hot and flushed.

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, make sure to inform a clinician before you begin using Protopic. They will discuss any potential risks associated with using the ointment.

When it comes to handling sensitive conditions, we're here to support you. We offer care tailored to you, ensuring the medications our clinicians suggest are suited to your individual needs.

After you've selected a treatment for your vitiligo, our medical experts will provide continuous support. They'll follow up with you to ensure you're satisfied with your choice and that it's working as you hoped.

If you frequently need your medication but want to avoid the bother of regular trips to the pharmacy, our subscription plans handle the re-ordering for you.