re information.
What is PROTOPIC Ointment?
PROTOPIC Ointment is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis). PROTOPIC Ointment is in a class of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors. It is for adults and children 2 years of age and older who do not have a weakened immune system. PROTOPIC Ointment is used on the skin for short periods, and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.
PROTOPIC Ointment is for use after other prescription medicines have not worked for you, or if your doctor recommends that other prescription medicines should not be used.
Who should not use PROTOPIC Ointment?
PROTOPIC Ointment should not be used:
on children younger than 2 years of age.
if you are allergic to PROTOPIC Ointment or anything in it. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before starting PROTOPIC Ointment?
Before you start using PROTOPIC, you and your doctor should talk about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have a skin disease called Netherton’s syndrome (a rare inherited condition).
have any infection on your skin including chicken pox or herpes.
have been told you have a weakened immune system.
are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and skin products you use including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
How should I use PROTOPIC Ointment?
Use PROTOPIC Ointment exactly as prescribed.
Use PROTOPIC Ointment only on areas of your skin that have eczema.
Use PROTOPIC Ointment for short periods, and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.
Stop PROTOPIC Ointment when the signs and symptoms of eczema, such as itching, rash, and redness go away, or as directed by your doctor.
Follow your doctor’s advice if symptoms of eczema return after treatment with PROTOPIC Ointment.
Call your doctor if :
your symptoms get worse with PROTOPIC Ointment.
you get an infection on your skin.
your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment. Sometimes other skin diseases can look like eczema.
To apply PROTOPIC Ointment:
Wash your hands before applying PROTOPIC.
Apply a thin layer of PROTOPIC Ointment twice daily to the areas of skin affected by eczema.
Use the smallest amount of PROTOPIC Ointment needed to control the signs and symptoms of eczema.
If you are a caregiver applying PROTOPIC Ointment to a patient, or if you are a patient who is not treating your hands, wash your hands with soap and water after applying PROTOPIC. This should remove any ointment left on the hands.
Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying PROTOPIC. This could wash off the ointment.
You can use moisturizers with PROTOPIC Ointment. Make sure you check with your doctor first about the products that are right for you. Because the skin of patients with eczema can be very dry, it is important to keep up good skin care practices. If you use moisturizers, apply them after PROTOPIC Ointment.
What should I avoid while using PROTOPIC Ointment?
Do not use ultraviolet light therapy, sun lamps, or tanning beds during treatment with PROTOPIC Ointment.
Limit sun exposure during treatment with PROTOPIC Ointment even when the medicine is not on you |
