Protopic ointment is not recommended for more than a few weeks. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, two topical medications, have been linked to increased skin cancer and lymphoma risk in some patients. Whether or not either of these drugs poses a cancer risk remains unanswered.
The only time you should apply Protopic is on eczema-affected skin. Avoid getting it on any spots with a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Suppose you have a history of skin cancer, a skin infection (such as herpes or chickenpox), a genetic skin disorder (such as Netherton’s syndrome), a weakened immune system, kidney disease, or severe swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of skin. In that case, you should consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Anti-infective white blood cells can be suppressed by Protopic. This can increase susceptibility to viruses like chicken pox and herpes (cold sores or shingles). If you have been exposed to an illness, you should consult a doctor.
Stay away from any UVA or UVB light sources, such as the sun, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy. You should cover the areas of skin where Protopic ointment has been applied with loose clothing if you must go outside. Except when directed to do so by your doctor, one should not use sunscreen on the treated skin.
If your skin condition doesn’t improve after 6 weeks of using Protopic, you should see a doctor.
A child younger than 2 years old should not take this medication. Protopic or pimecrolimus has been linked to some users’ increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma (Elidel). However, whether or not these medications increase the risk of developing cancer of the skin or lymphoma is unknown. Discuss your bet with your doctor.
Ahead of time, this medication
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tacrolimus, Protopic is not for you.
Protopic is not recommended for children under the age of 2.
Protopic ointment in 0.03% or 0.1% strengths may be used by adults and children 16 years and older. A child between the ages of 2 and 15 should only be given 0.01% strength.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you have a history of skin cancer, a bacterial or viral skin infection (such as herpes or chickenpox), Netherton’s syndrome (a genetic skin disorder), or a weakened immune system to ensure that Protopic is safe for you to use (caused by disease or by using particular medicine).
Protopic ointment and other pimecrolimus skin medications have been linked to a small percentage of users’ increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. Whether or not either of these drugs poses a cancer risk remains unanswered. Determine your level of danger by consulting a medical professional.
Topical tacrolimus’s effects on a developing foetus are unknown. Do not wait to inform your physician if you are expecting or trying to conceive.
Nursing mothers should avoid the use of this ointment.