What is Tacrolimus Cream for?

Tacrolimus or tacrolimís ointment or cream, is an immunosuppressant and calcineurin inhibitor drug, which is used to treat eczema or severe atopic dermatitis, and other skin problems. In some cases, doctors prescribe it to minimize the effects of vitiligo. Know in detail what tacrolimus cream is for.

What is tacrolimus cream or ointment for?

Because it is a drug whose main function is to reduce the effect of the immune system in the body, it is not used to treat many symptoms, so its benefits are practically limited to skin problems, where it has proven to be very effective in treating some particular conditions, which we will try to detail below.

Tacrolimus cream works for eczema

Eczema or severe atopic dermatitis is a disease that causes itchy and dry skin, although in some cases it also has a scaly rash and redness. This topical cream medicine is used in patients with this condition, since its action prevents the production of substances that cause eczema.

Tacrolimus cream for psoriasis

This disease directly affects the skin and scalp. Sometimes it also affects the face, and the genital area. Although it is incurable, treatment with tacrolimun cream has proven to be very effective in reducing the annoying symptoms caused by this disease.

Tacrolimus cream for vitiligo

It is important to note that this cream drug has only been tried in a few cases to treat vitiligo, and in an acceptable percentage it has been very successful. However, no person who has a vitiligo condition should use it without first consulting their doctor.

In treatments where tacrolimus cream has proven successful, oral antioxidants are used in order to manage free radicals; tacrolimus cream increases the tyrosinase activity of the melanocyte and thus increases the migratory capacity that allows the affected areas to recover. This is combined with a minimum sun exposure of 5 to 10 minutes a day.

How to use tacrolimus cream or ointment

Like any other medicine, it is necessary to use tacrolimus cream exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Under no conditions should the patient apply larger amounts or for longer than indicated. In case of any doubt in its application, the label with the instructions is also very clear regarding the procedure to be followed.

Washing hands before and after using tacrolimus cream is necessary, except when the treatment is being applied directly to the hands. In this case, it is important to be careful not to put the component in the mouth, or in the eyes.

The person who is taking a treatment with tacrolimus, cannot bathe immediately after using the cream or ointment. You will have to wait for the cream to take effect and to have been completely absorbed by the skin.

Once a thin layer of the medicine has been applied to the skin and only to the areas of the skin that are affected by eczema or another skin condition. This must first be dried well in the open air, under no circumstances should it be covered with a bandage.

To keep the skin hydrated and not excessively dry, a moisturizing cream or lotion can be used. The kind and type of cream should be recommended by the doctor.

The use of tacrolimus cream is not long-term, so it should be stopped as soon as the affected area does not show symptoms of eczema, unless the doctor indicates otherwise.

Use of tacrolimus cream in children

The use of tacrolimus cream in children under 16 years of age strictly requires the application of a cream with a concentration of 0.03%. The cream that has a concentration greater than 0.1%, is indicated only for use in adults and young people over 16 years of age. It is important to consider this rule, because higher concentration can have consequences for children.

What to do in case of skipping an application?

If for some reason the cream cannot be applied at the appropriate time, it must be applied as soon as possible to give continuity to the treatment. Under no circumstances should you attempt to apply more than one dose.

Warnings on the use of tacrolimus cream

It is not a drug that should be used without a prescription, and some people may be allergic to its components.

Before using tacrolimus cream or ointment, the patient needs to talk to their doctor about whether they have a skin infection, including chickenpox, herpes, or skin cancer, as well as kidney disease, or any other genetic disorder of the skin. skin, such as Natherton syndrome, redness, swelling, irritation, or if you currently have a weak immune system.

This is because tacrolimus cream aims to lower immune cells in the blood, which help the body fight infection and disease. The use of this medicine can increase the chances that the person may get herpes (simplex or zoster) or chickenpox.

It is very important to avoid exposure to sunlight, as well as to tanning beds, sunlamps or treatments that use ultraviolet A or B light. In case you cannot avoid having contact with sunlight, it is necessary to wear clothing on the areas of the skin that are being treated with tacrolimus cream. No type of sunscreen or sunscreen should be used on the skin that is being treated with tacrolimus cream, unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

If the skin condition does not improve after receiving treatment for 6 weeks with tacrolimus cream, it is necessary to resume the consultation with the doctor.

This topical medicine cannot be used in children under 3 years of age.

Some people who have used tacrolimus cream or ointment have developed lymphoma or skin cancer. However, it has not been specifically proven that this drug has been responsible for causing cancer in patients. For this reason, it is very important to use this medicine under the strict supervision of the attending physician.

Other precautions on the use of tacrolimus cream

You should avoid using other medications in the areas where tacrolimus cream is to be applied, except if the doctor indicates otherwise.

Drinking alcoholic beverages while using tacrolimus cream can cause facial skin to become flushed and feel hot.

Adverse effects of tacrolimus cream

If you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction to tacrolimus such as: difficulties in breathing, hives, swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or face, the application of the medicine should be stopped and wait to talk with the doctor.

Here are some serious side effects that can occur when using tacrolimus cream:

• Inflamed glands
• Severe itching, burning, or pain in the area where the medicine was applied
• Symptoms of skin infection (discharge, swelling, redness, or itching)
• Redness or crusting of hair follicles
• Scabs, blisters, drainage, or other signs of infection
• Chickenpox or other blisters

Other less serious side effects:

• Appearance of acne
• Mild itching or burning
• Redness on the skin
• Headache
• Sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold)
• Common cold symptoms (sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat)
• Muscle pain and back pain
• Sickness

What drugs affect the use of tacrolimus cream?

In most cases, medications that are administered by injection or orally do not usually have any effect on the application of tacrolimus cream. However, it is always wise to discuss the use of other medications with your doctor to avoid an interaction.

Conclusion: Is it recommended to use tacrolimus cream?

The use of tacrolimus cream is highly recommended by dermatology specialists for patients suffering from eczema who have not been successful with other medications. Tacrolimus has been shown to be effective, but it should not be used deliberately without a prescription.