Available by prescription only, tacrolimus (
Prograf®,
Protopic®) is a medicine used to suppress the immune system. Specifically, tacrolimus is available in a topical, oral, and injectable form. Topical
tacrolimus ointment is approved to treat moderate-to-severe
atopic dermatitis (eczema) in people who have not adequately responded to other treatments. It is applied to the affected areas of the skin twice daily, and works by making the immune system less active.
Although most people tolerate this medicine well, side effects, such as
headaches, tremors, and kidney problems, are possible. Before starting treatment with this drug, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
(For more details on this topical ointment, click Tacrolimus. This full-length article describes other forms and uses for this medication, describes how the drug works, and covers general safety precautions to be aware of.)
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