Protopic - Protopic Ointment
Protopic ointment is used in the treatment of eczema, or atomic dermatitis. It is a very effective treatment for this condition, and often provides relief for patients who are not responsive to treatment by topical cortosteriods. Protopic-ointment contains the active ingredient tacrolimus. It is not understood completely how this medication works in the treatment of eczema. Protopic seems to suppress the inflammation in the skin that is a sign of eczema, and relieve the redness and itching that go along with an outbreak of eczema.
Protopic side effects can cause discomfort, and for this reason, as well as some concerns about the long term safety of the medication, protopic ointment is not prescribed for everyday treatment of eczema. The ointment is prescribed for short term relief and to manage the first signs of a flare up for people with moderate or severe eczema.
Side effects of Protopic include burning, itching and a feeling of warmth at the application site. People that are using Protopic should not use sun beds or go into the sun without sunscreen while they are using the ointment. The long term effects of Protopic concern many people, with some evidence that long term exposure may increase cancer risk.
Protopic is an effective ointment, but can be expensive. The Protopic patent expiry date is set for 2010, at which time the price may come down or an equivalent generic may become available. For those who suffer with eczema, a tube of protopic ointment, to apply early on during a flare up, is a worthwhile investment.