What is tacrolimus topical?
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune system.
Tacrolimus topical (for the skin) is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis (ezcema).
Tacrolimus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about tacrolimus topical?
You should not use tacrolimus topical if you are allergic to it.
Before using tacrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you have skin cancer or a skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox), any genetic skin disorder (such as Netherton's syndrome), a weak immune system, kidney disease, or swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of your skin.
Tacrolimus can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from a virus such as chicken pox or herpes (cold sores or shingles). Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any illness.
Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with tacrolimus topical. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.
Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using tacrolimus topical for 6 weeks.
Do not use this medication on a child younger than 2 years old.
Some people have developed skin cancer or lymphoma after using tacrolimus or pimecrolimus (Elidel). However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes skin cancer or lymphoma. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tacrolimus topical?
You should not use tacrolimus topical if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely use tacrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
skin cancer or a skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox);
any genetic skin disorder (such as Netherton's syndrome);
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);
kidney disease; or
swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of your skin.
Tacrolimus can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from a virus such as chicken pox or herpes (cold sores or shingles). Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any illness.
Some people have developed skin cancer or lymphoma after using tacrolimus or pimecrolimus (Elidel). However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes skin cancer or lymphoma. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tacrolimus topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Tacrolimus topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use tacrolimus topical on a child younger than 2 years old.