Description
Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w is an ointment that is used in the treatment of eczema which is atopic dermatitis. It basically suppresses the activity of certain immune cells that causes inflammation of the skin, the usage of this ointment helps to get relief from itching. Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w is for external use only and should be applied for 2-4 days on the area that is affected or it should be used as per your doctor’s prescription. The duration of using this ointment is dependent upon your medical condition and it should be applied slowly and evenly on the affected area until it is rubbed in.
If your condition doesn’t improve even after using this medication for two weeks or if the skin gets even worse then you should consult your doctor. There are very minor side effects that some people experience when they use this ointment like burning, irritation, itching, and redness. However, these side effects are not to be worried about as they get self-resolved within a short span of time. If they still persist or get worse then consultation with your doctor is mandatory. Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding females unless it is clearly needed.
Uses Of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w
- Prevention Of Organ Rejection In Transplant Patients.
Precautions
- If you are pregnant then you should consult your doctor to know whether the benefits outweigh the risks. It may be unsafe to use Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w during pregnancy.
- If you are breastfeeding then you should consult your doctor to know whether the benefits outweigh the risks. It is generally safe to use the medication for breastfeeding mothers.
- It is not known whether the usage of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w will have any effect on your ability to drive machinery.
- It is not known whether the usage of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w will have any effect on patients who are suffering from any liver disease.
- People who are used to alcohol consumption must consult their doctor to know whether there are any side effects associated with the usage of this medication.
Common Side Effects Of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w
- Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching, and redness)
- Diarrhea
- The increased glucose level in the blood
- Increased thirst
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Directions Of Use
- This medicine is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area and gently massage the ointment.
Storage
- Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w should be stored at a temperature below 30°C.
FAQs
Q. Is Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment safe?
Ans. As compared to other immune-suppressing medicines, Tacroderm 0.1 Ointment has been found to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for atopic dermatitis. When applied on the affected part of the skin, its absorption into the blood and body is minimal. Hence, the side effects are less as compared to when taken through the oral route.
Q. Does Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment has abuse potential?
Ans. No, Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment does not have abuse potential and thus, is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances have the potential for abuse so they need permission from authorities and doctor for use.
Q. Does Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment cause cancer?
Ans. Long-term use of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment has been found to have an increased risk of lymph node tumors called lymphoma. Some studies have found that few patients who used Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment or another similar medication developed skin cancer or lymphoma. Consult your doctor if you have to use Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment for more than 6 weeks or if your eczema symptoms have not improved or are getting worse with time during your treatment.
Q. Is Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment a steroid?
Ans. No, Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment is not a steroid. It is a medicine that modulates the working of the immune system. It is used in the treatment of eczema, most commonly in atopic dermatitis. An advantage of Tacrolimus 0.1% w/w ointment is that it does not cause skin thinning (atrophy) or other steroid-related side effects.
