Is A Prescription Required to Have Protopic Ointment?

A prescription is required to purchase Protopic ointment online from our Canadian mail order pharmacy.

What Is Protopic Ointment Used For?

Protopic ointment is a non-steroidal drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as topical calcineurin inhibitors. Protopic is used for the treatment of eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children of age 2 years and older patients who do not have a weak immune system. This ointment can be applied to all areas of skin including face, neck and eyelids. It is mainly used when all other treatments for atopic dermatitis have failed or are not advisable. Protopic ointment should not be used to treat conditions for which it has not been prescribed.

How Does Protopic Work?

The exact mechanism of how Protopic ointment (Tacrolimus) works is not completely understood. Topical application of tacrolimus has shown to reduce inflammation, itchiness, redness associated with atopic dermatitis.

How Is Protopic Supplied and Stored?

Protopic is manufactured by Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. It will be our privilege to offer you the branded Protopic medication from Canada. Protopic is available as 0.1% (w/w) ointment in laminate tubes of 60 gm.

The medication should be stored at a temperature of 15°C to 30°C and should be kept out of reach and sight of children.

What Is the Cost of Protopic?

Our Canada Wide Pharmacy is pleased to offer 0.1%/60 g ointment at an unbeatable price of 185 for a supply of 1, which is $185 per unit, 20% off the average brand Protopic cost of $230.39. Compare Protopic prices and other RX drug prices from PharmacyChecker.com.

Is Protopic Cream A Steroid?

Protopic is a non-steroidal preparation. Unlike steroids it does not cause thinning of skin and this can be used on areas of body where the skin is already thin (such as face).

Can I Use Protopic On My Face?

Protopic ointment can be applied to all the areas of skin including face, neck and eyelids. However, oral use of tacrolimus is not recommended to treat skin conditions.

How Should You Use Tacrolimus?

Apply a thin layer of the ointment to all the areas where eczema has been diagnosed by your doctor, twice a day about 12 hours apart. Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages, dressings or wraps. You can wear normal clothing. Before applying Protopic, make sure your skin is completely dry. Your doctor will tell you how to use Protopic, depending on your condition and your response to the medication. Do not use more or less of the drug than prescribed by your doctor.

When Can You See The Effects of Protopic?

Protopic usually starts to provide relief from the symptoms of eczema within a few weeks. It is important to use the ointment as instructed by your doctor. If you do not notice any improvement within first 6 weeks of treatment or if your condition gets worsened, contact your doctor.

What Should You Avoid While Using Protopic?

Patients using Protopic should minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight during their treatment, even when the ointment is not applied on the skin. It is not known whether Protopic interferes with skin response to ultraviolet damage. You should also avoid sun lamps, tanning salons and treatment with UVA or UVB light. Ask your doctor what kind of sun protection you should use.

What Are The Side Effects of Protopic?

Like with all the medications, Protopic can also cause side effects. The most common side effects include stinging, a burning sensation or itching of the skin being treated. These side effects are ususally mild to moderate and fade away after first few days of using the ointment. Other less common side effects include acne, allergic reaction, fever, swollen or infected hair follicles, diarrhea, headache, flu-like symptoms (cold, congestion, upper respiratory infection), increased sensitivity of skin to cold or hot temperature. Drinking alcohol while using Protopic, can cause the skin to become flushed or red and feel hot. Some people can develop skin tingling, upset stomach, herpes zoster (chickenpox or shingles), muscle pain, cyst, infection on skin where Protopic was applied, or a bacterial infection of the skin known as impetigo. Some rare cases of skin cancer and lymphomas have been reported in post marketing reports (reporting of adverse events by health care professionals and consumers after the launch of the product) for patients who are being treated with calcineurin inhibitors, including Protopic ointment 0.1% and 0.03%. Some rare cases of kidney problems have also been reported in post marketing use. These are not all the side effects of using Protopic ointment. In case you experience any unexpected event, consult your doctor immediately.

When Should You Not Use Protopic?

Do not take Protopic if you:

• Are allergic to tacrolimus or any of the ingredients of Protopic ointment
• Have skin infections at the site being treated
• Have viral infection of your skin such as chickenpox or herpes
• Have been told that you have a weakened immune system
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor determines it is necessary to use Protopic.

What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Using Protopic?

Before taking Protopic always talk to your health care professional in case you:

• Are using any other prescription medicines
• Are receiving any therapy in the form of light such as phototherapy or UV to your skin
• Are using any other kind of skin product
• Are using any over the counter medicines or natural herbs
• Are suffering from kidney problems
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
• Have an inherited skin barrier disease called Netherton’s syndrome, lamellar ichthyosis, or if you suffer from generalized erythrodema (inflammatory reddening and scaling of the entire skin).
• Suffer from a cutaneous Graft Versus Host Disease (an immune reaction of the skin which is a common complication in patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant).

What Medicines Can Interact with Protopic?

Protopic has not been studied for drug infections. You should tell your health care professional about all the medications and skin products that you use, including any prescription or non-prescription vitamins or herbal supplements.

Where Can I Buy Protopic Online?

If prescribed by your health care professional, Protopic can be bought directly from Canadian Online Pharmacy. You will not have to wait to start your therapy due to the swift shipping service provided by us.

How Is Protopic Delivered?

The standard delivery fee is $10.00. The orders are usually shipped in 2-3 working days after the processing of the order. The medication package is delivered by regular mail within 10-14 business days after it has been shipped. For further information and aid, you can contact our Customer Service at 604-581-4000 or email us at customerservice@canadawidepharmacy.com.

References:

1. http://www.awkolaw.com/defective-drugs/protopic/ 2. http://www.cmsastellas.ca/uploads/pdf/2011-10-11%20Protopic%20PM.pdf 3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/050777s018lbl.pdf