In 1984, Fujisawa scientists discovered tacrolimus in a soil sample taken from Mt. Tsukuba in Japan. Not long after, scientists realized that some of the properties of tacrolimus may help treat certain conditions and diseases. Eventually, they saw that this drug could be used to safely treat patients with moderate to severe eczema—thus, pioneering the use of topical immunomodulators (TIMs).

Protopic was the first of this new class of nonsteroid drugs approved for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema—giving doctors the first prescription alternative for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema in 40 years.

Important Information

For short-term and intermittent long-term therapy in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who should avoid the potential risks of conventional therapies or are not adequately responsive to conventional therapies. Both 0.03% and 0.1% ointment can be used for adults. In children aged 2 to 15 years, only Protopic 0.03% is indicated.

The most common adverse events associated with the use of Protopic Ointment included the sensation of skin burning, pruritus, flu-like symptoms, and headache, and it is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to tacrolimus or any of the other ingredients of Protopic.

Protopic Ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Skin infections should be cleared prior to application, and there may be an increased risk of certain skin infections. Patients should minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight exposure.