Tacrolimus®

What is Tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive ointment that helps manage inflammation caused by eczema flare-ups. It’s usually prescribed for moderate to severe eczema that emollients or topical corticosteroids haven’t been effective in treating or for patients who can’t use other treatments.

How does Tacrolimus work?

Tacrolimus works by helping to calm the overactive immune response that causes inflammation during eczema flare-ups. This should help manage redness, itching, and swelling caused by atopic eczema, as well as discoid and dishydrotic eczema.

Because it works differently to emollients (which trap moisture in the skin and prevent irritants from entering) and topical corticosteroids (which help reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation), immunosuppressants like Tacrolimus can be effective when these treatments aren’t suitable, or haven’t worked.

How do Tacrolimus doses work?

Tacrolimus ointment comes in two doses: 0.03% and 0.1%. The 0.03% dose is usually used for children and adolescents (or for people more sensitive to Tacrolimus), while the 0.1% dose is typically for those over the age of 16. We only offer the 0.1% dose of Tacrolimus ointment.

What is the active ingredient in Tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus is a generic medicine. It takes its name from its active ingredient: tacrolimus monohydrate. It’s a topical calcineurin inhibitor, which is a type of medicine that blocks an enzyme called calcineurin. Calcineurin activates a type of cell called T-lymphocytes (T-cells), which release pro-inflammatory cytokines – a type of protein that’s responsible for starting and maintaining inflammatory reactions.¹ By blocking calcineurin, Tacrolimus helps calm these inflammatory reactions, and should help manage eczema flare-ups.

How to take Tacrolimus

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions when using Tacrolimus ointment. Usually, you’ll apply a thin layer of Tacrolimus to the areas of skin affected by eczema once or twice each day. If you’ve been prescribed to use it twice a day, apply it once first thing in the morning, and once in the evening before bedtime. You should ensure your skin is clear and dry before applying Tacrolimus.

You should avoid getting any ointment inside your nose, mouth, or eyes. Don’t cover the areas of skin you apply it to with any bandages or wraps, and make sure to wash your hands after application (unless your hands are also being treated).