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Protopic Ointment Uses

Protopic Ointment belongs to a class of medicines known as calcineurin inhibitors--a type of immunosuppressant designed to block the inflammation process. The medication can only be prescribed by a doctor for use as a topical therapy to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis). Protopic Ointment comes in two strengths, and is prescribed according to age, however, it should not be used on children younger than 2 years of age, or by anyone with a weakened immune system, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Dermatologists are now prescribing Protopic Ointment to treat other skin conditions.

  1. Eczema

    • Protopic Ointment is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema. According to the Protopic website, the medicine is only to be prescribed when other prescription medications have failed, or when your health-care provider does not advise the use of other medications. Protopic Ointment should only be used for short periods of time, with breaks in between, because the safety of long-term, uninterrupted use has not been determined.

    Psoriasis

    • Protopic Ointment has also been approved by the FDA to be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation website, Protopic Ointment works well in the treatment of psoriasis on sensitive areas, such as the face. Protopic Ointment does not cause glaucoma and can be safely used on the eyelids, while avoiding the possible side effects of a topical steroid.

    Vitiligo

    • According to the Vitiligo Support website, Protopic Ointment is also a commonly prescribed Immunomodulator for the treatment of vitiligo. Protopic Ointment is often prescribed as the medicine to be alternated with topical steroids, in order to reduce the risk of potential side effects.

    Other Uses

    • According to the FDA, drugs are sometimes prescribed to be used for purposes other than what is listed in a Medication Guide. The Medication Guide should be read every time you get a prescription for Protopic Ointment because information can change. Protopic Ointment should be used only for the condition for which the medication was prescribed. Even if someone has the same symptoms, the medication should not be shared.

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