Protopic Website
This info comes from the Protopic manufacturer’s site:
Protopic is a different kind of topical prescription medication for
treating eczema. It’s the first in a new class of therapy known as
TIMs, or topical immunomodulators. Protopic is not a steroid, and it
won’t cause thinning of the skin.
Protopic Ointment can be used for patients with moderate to severe
eczema who do not respond well to or who may have side effects with
traditional treatments. It can be used for short or repeated periods
of treatment. Protopic is prescribed for adults in concentrations of
0.03% and 0.1% and for children, aged 2 to 15 years, in the 0.03%
concentration only.
While the exact action in eczema is unknown, Protopic treats your
eczema by targeting the underlying disease process. When an irritant
enters the skin, the skin’s immune cells overreact by sending
chemical messages that, in turn, cause an eczema flare-up. Protopic
enters the immune cells and blocks them from creating the chemical
messages.
You may use Protopic for short or repeated periods of treatment as
directed by your doctor. Protopic can be used on any affected areas
of your body, including your face, neck, and hands.
Some patients have reported a stinging, burning, or itching sensation
during the first few applications of Protopic. Although these
sensations are uncomfortable, they shouldn’t alarm you. For most
individuals, these side effects are mild to moderate and usually
short lasting. Patients should continue to use Protopic because the
stinging, burning, or itching should decrease. Most patients are no
longer bothered by these sensations after the first few days.
Your doctor may suggest various methods of minimizing any discomfort.
Follow his or her directions and keep in mind that these side effects
may occur and are usually common and temporary reactions.
Avoid direct sunlight, tanning salons, and phototherapy. Although
Protopic does not make your skin more sensitive to the sun, patients
are encouraged to wear hats, use sunscreen, and wear protective
clothing. Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages,
dressings, or wraps.