  |
| WHAT
IS PROTOPIC OINTMENT? |
| PROTOPIC
OINTMENT is the first new prescription treatment for Eczema in 40 years,
and Protopic is the first in a NEW class of topical medications called
topical immunomodulators. Protopic, tacrolimus, is steroid-free and
will improve or completely clear eczema in more than 80% of treated patients
with less side effects than topical steroids. The active agent, tacrolimus,
is a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by Streptomyces that inhibits
T-lymphocyte cell activation. Protopic Ointment has been FDA approved for
short-term and intermittent long-term therapy for patients with moderate
to severe atopic dermatitis in whom the use of conventional therapies is
inadvisable or not adequately effective. |
| HOW
DOES PROTOPIC DIFFER FROM TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS? |
| Protopic
Ointment is the FIRST nonsteroidal topical treatment for eczema and it
is safe and effective for intermittent LONG-TERM treatment of moderate
to severe atopic dermatitis in adults. Corticosteroid topical treatments
can not be used for longer than 2 consecutive weeks. Also unlike
corticosteroids, Protopic is safe for dermatologic use ANYWHERE on the
body including the face, groin or axillae. Topical corticosteroids
can not be used on the face, groin or axillae. In addition, unlike
corticosteroids, Protopic demonstrates NO cutaneous atrophy or adrenal
suppression. Protopic is not associated with the side effects associated
with topical steroids such as skin thinning, stretch marks and skin discoloration.
Protopic offers a SAFE and EFFECTIVE long term treatment option alternative
to those suffering from moderate to severe eczema. |
| WHAT
IS ECZEMA? |
  Over
15 million Americans suffer from the chronic, life-altering disease
of atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, characterized by
painfully itchy, flaky, skin disorder. Eczema is a complex condition and
there is usually no one single cause for a person's eczema. External
Factors such as climate, contact with irritants, clothing fibers as well
as Internal Factors such as stress, diet and medications can affect eczema
outbreaks. Most people with eczema, atopic dermatitis, have family members
with similar problems or history of allergies, hay fever and asthma, about
20% have no family history. Eczema often presents itself in childhood
or young adults but can occur at any age, and about 50% of patients are
affected throughout life. Eczema is NOT contagious. Eczema typically
affects the inside of the elbows, back of knees and the face, but it can
cover most of the body. The severity of the conditions ranges from
a few dry red ITCHY patches to widespread involvement. The
itching may be so intense that patients often scratch until their skin
bleeds and crusts. When this happens the skin can get infected. DO
NOT USE PROTOPIC OINTMENT IF YOUR ECZEMA LESIONS ARE INFLAMED, WEEPING
OR INFECTED! |
| HOW
DO I KNOW IF PROTOPIC IS RIGHT FOR ME? |
| Protopic
is a new kind of treatment that offers hope to those suffering from
moderate to severe eczema who did not respond well to conventional therapy.
Protopic is not a steroid or antihistamine and it won't cause thinning
of your skin or drowsiness. Protopic can be used on any affected
area of the body, including the face and the neck. Protopic can be
used for extended period of time intermittently - starting and stopping
treatment as necessary. |
|
WHEN & HOW OFTEN
DUE I USE PROTOPIC OINTMENT?
|
| Protopic
ointment is simple and easy to use. A thin layer is applied to the
affected areas twice a day about 12 hours apart. When applying Protopic
after a bath or shower, make sure any moisturizer are well absorbed and
your skin is completely dry before applying Protopic ointment. Do
not apply any other type of skin product on top of the Protopic Ointment.
Do not cover treated skin with occlusive dressings or bandages. Wear
loose clothing and avoid sun exposure. |
| CAN
PROTOPIC BE SAFELY APPLIED TO THE EYELID AREA? |
| Protopic,
unlike topical steroids, can be used safely on all parts of the body including
the face, neck, hands, groin and axillae areas. Avoid getting ointment
directly in the eye. Protopic Ointment is for EXTERNAL use only! |
| HOW
LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PROTOPIC TO WORK? |
| Protopic
can provide rapid clearing of your condition. When using Protopic
you can start to notice dramatic improvement in about 1 - 3 weeks. Most
people start to notice that their skin starts to heal after the first few
weeks of treatment and continues to improve as they keep using the ointment.
Regardless of whether you see rapid improvement or not, you should continue
to use Protopic as directed. Protopic improves or completely
clears eczema in more than 80% of patients. |
|
DOES PROTOPIC CURE
ECZEMA? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE PROTOPIC?
|
| Eczema
CANNOT be cured, but it can be controlled. Protopic can be used
for short term and intermittent long term use. Therefore, even though
your skin may start to heal and feel better within the first few weeks
of treatment, it is important to keep using Protopic as prescribed for
1 week after clearing of eczema symptoms. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can
recur within several weeks of stopping treatment. Since Protopic
has been approved for long term use and it is not a steroid, you can intermittently
continue to treat eczema outbreaks until they occur. IF YOU NOTICE THAT
YOUR ECZEMA GETS WORSE WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF TREATMENT, STOP PROTOPIC
AND CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION! |
|
CAN I CONTINUE TO
USE MOISTURIZERS WITH PROTOPIC?
|
| Eczema
suffers most often have dry skin and important part of routine skin care
is moisturizing. It is best to apply moisturizers while you skin
is still wet from bathing or showering. Apply moisturizers to wet
skin. Allow moisturizer to be completely absorbed and skin dry before
applying Protopic Ointment. |
| CAN
PROTOPIC BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TOPICAL PRESCRIPTIONS? |
| Protopic
Ointment should NOT be combined with any other topical skin products or
topical prescription medications. Do NOT apply any other type of
skin product on top of Protopic Ointment. |
| WHILE
TAKING PROTOPIC CAN I USE TANNING BEDS OR SUNBATHE? |
| While
using Protopic you must AVOID sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds and
treatment with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after
applying Protopic, wear loose fitting clothing that protects-the treated
area from the sun. In addition use sunscreens / sunblocks.
Tacrolimus, the active ingredient in Protopic, has been shown to
make the "time to skin tumor formation" shorter in animal studies but NOT
in humans. If while on Protopic, you develop a photoreaction on your skin,
stop taking Protopic, avoid sun exposure and consult your own doctor regarding
a possible photosensitivity reaction. |
|
CAN PROTOPIC BE USED
SAFELY WITH SUNSCREENS?
|
| Yes.
Studies have demonstrated that commercially available sunscreens do not
affect the chemical stability of Protopic Ointment. Of course, you need
to avoid sunlight as much as possible while using Protopic. |
| WHAT
ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS of PROTOPIC ? |
The
most common side effects of Protopic Ointment are temporary stinging or
burning sensation or itching (pruritis) at the application site.
These symptoms typically improve as the eczema lesions heal. Protopic
treatment may be associated with an increased risk of chicken pox, shingles,
herpes simplex virus infection, or eczema herpeticum. Also Protopic may
accentuate the adverse effects of ultraviolet light on the skin. Therefore
patients using Protopic should avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds
and treatment with UVA and UVB light.
While using
Protopic, drinking alcohol may cause the skin or face to become flushed
or red and feel hot. |
WHO
SHOULD NOT USE PROTOPIC OINTMENT?
WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS
FOR PROTOPIC?
|
-
Do NOT use
PROTOPIC if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
-
Do NOT use
PROTOPIC if you are breast feeding.
-
Do NOT take
PROTOPIC if you are allergic or have hypersensitivity to the active ingredient
tacrolimus or any of the inactive ingredients, if unsure check with your
pharmacist and/or physician.
-
Do NOT use
PROTOPIC if your eczema lesions are inflamed, weeping or infected! People
with eczema are prone to infections, especially staph and herpes.
Increased redness, pus-filled bumps (pustules), weeping of lesions are
early signs of infections and you must NOT use Protopic ointment.
If you experience signs of infections DISCONTINUE use of Protopic and consult
your physician immediately!
-
Do NOT use
PROTOPIC if you suffer from Netherton's Syndrome.
-
PROTOPIC 0.1%
is NOT approved for Pediatric use. You must be 18 years or older
to use Protopic Ointment 0.1% strength.
-
Do NOT combine
with ultraviolet light treatment! Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sun
lamps, UVA and UVB photolight treatments while using Protopic Ointment.
-
Do NOT combine
with other topical medications. Do NOT use other over-the-counter topical
medications or topical prescription medications with Protopic Ointment.
-
PROTOPIC is
for EXTERNAL use only!
-
Continue to
moisturize your skin as directed. Always apply moisturizer first
to wet skin. Wait until completely dry before applying Protopic Ointment.
-
Continue to
use sunscreens and sunblocks. Wait until Protopic Ointment completely
absorbed into skin before applying.
|
| We
will not prescribe PROTOPIC to anyone under the age of 18. Also PROTOPIC
should NOT be used by pregnant women, women attempting to become pregnant
or women who are breast feeding. Protopic is NOT to be used on infected,
weeping or oozing eczema lesions. |
|
|