Tacrolimus
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Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Next review due on February 24, 2029.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Feb 25, 2026.

Helps even out skin tone and stops further discoloration.

Tacrolimus is a topical ointment that helps manage vitiligo symptoms. It calms the immune system, which stops skin discoloration and helps repigment skin.

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0.10%
$159.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $159.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Tacrolimus Tacrolimus

What is Tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant that helps calm your immune system to treat chronic conditions like vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes depigmentation, resulting in discolored white patches across your body.

Although the patches aren’t painful, their appearance can impact someone’s self-esteem. By reducing the effects of an overactive immune system on skin pigmentation, Tacrolimus can help prevent further depigmentation and improve the symptoms of vitiligo.

Tacrolimus ointment is used off-label for vitiligo, although it’s FDA-approved for atopic dermatitis. Off-label prescribing is a common practice, and your doctor will only recommend this medication if they believe it will be safe and effective for you.

How does Tacrolimus work?

Tacrolimus works by calming the immune system. Vitiligo is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly targets your body’s cells as dangerous. It destroys melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, resulting in skin discoloration.

By inhibiting the release of immune cells, Tacrolimus can help prevent further skin discoloration and repigment skin.1

Does Tacrolimus cause side effects?

You may experience side effects while taking Tacrolimus, although not everyone will. Common side effects include:

  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Skin tingling
  • Rash
  • Local skin reaction

These side effects should be mild and tolerable, but if they worsen or persist, contact your doctor. They may lower your dose or suggest an alternative treatment.

Is Tacrolimus a steroid?

No, the active ingredient tacrolimus isn’t a steroid, although it works in a similar way. Tacrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that calms your immune system to stop it from attacking your own body cells. While this action is similar to that of a steroid, it belongs to a different drug class.

What doses of Tacrolimus are there?

Tacrolimus comes as a 0.1% dose. It’s applied to the affected areas twice daily.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Araya AA, Tasnif Y. Tacrolimus. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 24, 2026. Next review due on February 24, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Tacrolimus Tacrolimus

How to take Tacrolimus

Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas of your body twice a day. Make sure to apply it to dry skin and gently rub it in. Wash your hands after applying the treatment.

 

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 24, 2026. Next review due on February 24, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Tacrolimus Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.

Tacrolimus Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How does Pimecrolimus compare with Tacrolimus?

Answer:
Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus belong to the same drug class called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). These medications are typically used to treat chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

A study comparing the two treatments for vitiligo found that tacrolimus was more effective at repigmenting the skin compared to pimecrolimus. Both treatments were also well-tolerated, with only mild side effects.2

But this study may not accurately represent how well tacrolimus works, as the concentration in the study was lower (0.03%) than the 0.1% concentration that we offer.

Another study of 40 patients with vitiligo found that, after about six months of treatment, tacrolimus 0.1% was more effective than pimecrolimus 1%, helping, on average, the skin to regain 25% of its color compared with 20% for pimecrolimus.4

How well does Tacrolimus work for Vitiligo?

Answer:
Studies show that Tacrolimus is effective at helping repigment the skin,2 but it may take several months to notice any improvements. Peak repigmentation of the skin is typically seen at the six-month mark,1 with the best results generally observed on the face.1,3

Additionally, multiple studies have also found that the best results occur with a twice-daily application.1

How long does Tacrolimus take to work?

Answer:
It can take a while to notice improvement in your symptoms with Tacrolimus. This can sometimes take up to six months.1 It’s best to continue using Tacrolimus long-term and monitor any changes throughout the treatment. If you see no changes after six months, notify your doctor.

Can I get Tacrolimus through private health insurance?

Answer:
Tacrolimus might be covered by private health insurance, but each plan can differ. It's best to check your individual plan to see if it’s covered.

If they don't provide it, you can always buy it from a private pharmacy, but you’ll have to cover the cost yourself.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Sisti, A., et al. (2016). Effectiveness and safety of topical tacrolimus monotherapy for repigmentation in vitiligo: A comprehensive literature review. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 91(2), 187.
  2. Hu W, et al. (2019) Efficacy of the Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus in the Treatment of Vitiligo in Infants Under 2 Years of Age: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Study. Clin Drug Investig.
  3. Sarkar, R., et al. (2024). Topical Tacrolimus in Vitiligo: Consensus Paper from the Pigmentary Disorders Society. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 17, 2875.
  4. Lal, Y.A. and Shankar K (2021). Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus in Treatment of Stable Vitiligo. International Journal of Health and Clinical Research, 4(18), pp.85–90.

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