• Do not use Protopic if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant as there are no sufficient studies to determine the safety of tacrolimus (Protopic) in pregnant woman!
• Do not use Protopic if you are breastfeeding!
• Do not use Protopic if you are allergic or hypersensitive to tacrolimus or to any component of Protopic Ointment: mineral oil, paraffin, propylene carbonate, white petrolatum and white wax.
• Do not use Protopic Ointment on infected, weeping or oozing eczema lesions! People with eczema are prone to infections, especially staph and herpes.  Increased redness, pus-filled bumps (pustules), weeping of lesions are all early signs of infection.  Seek treatment from your physician to clear infection before commencing Protopic Ointment. 
• If eczema lesions become infected while on Protopic, discontinue use of Protopic and consult your physician immediately.
• Do not use Protopic if you suffer from Netherton's Syndrome.
• Do not use Protopic Ointment if you have acute infectious mononucleosis..
• Protopic 0.1% ointment is not approved for pediatric use and will not be prescribed to anyone under age 18.

 WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS:

1. Avoid sun exposure, sun lamps, tanning booths and UVA and UVB photolight treatment while on Protopic. Do NOT sunbathe. Do  NOT use tanning beds or sun lamps. Protopic Ointment may enhance ultraviolet carcinogenicity based on animal studies, although no photoxicity in humans was observed.
2. Do not combine Protopic ointment with any other topical mediations or skin products.  Continue to moisturize as usual, but be sure your moisturizer is completely absorbed and your skin dry before applying Protopic
3. If while on Protopic treatment one develops lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph glands), it is imperative that you seek medical attention and determine the cause of the swollen glands and treat the underlying cause.
4. Protopic Ointment is for external use only!

The most common side effects of Protopic Ointment may be local symptoms such as burning, stinging, tingling or itching at the application site.  Although these sensations are uncomfortable, they shouldn't alarm you. For most individuals, these side effects are mild to moderate and usually short lasting. Continue to use Protopic because the stinging, burning, or itching will usually diminish as the lesions heal. Most patients are no longer bothered by these sensations after the first few days. Less frequently Protopic use may be associated with an increased risk of chicken pox, shingles, herpes simplex virus infection, or eczema herpeticum.  While using Protopic, drinking alcohol may cause the skin or face to become flushed or red and feel hot.

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION:

Protopic is only to treat eczema, atopic dermatitis, that has been diagnosed by your doctor. Eczema is a chronic condition that can be controlled but not cured.  Protopic Ointment is a medical breakthrough because it is a safe and effective treatment that can be used intermittently on a long-term basis and can be used externally on any part of the body including hands, face and neck.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before applying Protopic.
• Eczema sufferers always have dry skin and using moisturizers is very important.  The moisturizer should be applied to the skin while skin is still moist after bathing. Before applying Protopic ointment,  make sure your skin is dry and any moisturizers you have applied to your skin are dry and completely absorbed.
• Apply a thin layer of Protopic to all areas of your body that your doctor has diagnosed as eczema. Cover the area completely and rub in gently and completely. A pea-sized amount usually covers an area about the size of a silver dollar. Do not apply another type of skin product on top of Protopic Ointment.  Treatment should be continued for one week after clearing of signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
• Protopic should be applied twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
• Before applying Protopic Ointment after a bath or shower, be sure your skin is completely dry.
• Allow your medication to penetrate thoroughly. Don't swim or bathe immediately after applying Protopic.
• If your hands are not being treated, wash them with soap and water after applying Protopic.
• Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, you can wear normal clothing.
• While using Protopic, wear loose-fitting clothing that protects the affected area from the sun.
• Avoid direct sunlight, tanning salons, and phototherapy.
• Use Protopic ONLY on your skin, Do NOT swallow Protopic.
• Store Protopic at room temperature (59° to 86°F).

Positive results are on the way:
Protopic usually begins to provide relief from the symptoms of eczema within 1 to 3 weeks. Most people usually notice that their skin starts to heal after the first few weeks of treatment and continues to improve as they keep using it. Even though your skin looks and feels better, it is important to keep using Protopic as prescribed  for 1 week after clearing of eczema symptoms. When you stop using the medication, your eczema may return.