Protopic Ointment is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. It belongs to a class of drugs called Immunosuppressive Agents, Topical, and Calcineurin Inhibitors.

It is unknown if Protopic is safe and effective in children younger than two.

Protopic Ointment is usually applied twice a day to the affected area. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Protopic exactly as directed.

To use the ointment, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Be sure that the skin in the affected area is dry.
• Apply a thin layer of Protopic ointment to all affected areas of your skin.
• Rub the ointment into your skin gently and completely.
• Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any leftover Protopic ointment. 
• You may cover the treated areas with normal clothing, but do not use bandages, dressings, or wraps.
• Be careful not to wash the ointment off affected skin areas. Do not swim, shower, or bathe immediately after applying Protopic Ointment.

Protopic Ointment may increase your risk of getting skin cancer or cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Stop using this medicine if signs and symptoms of eczema, such as itching, burning, stinging, rash, and redness.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting skin tumors, especially when exposed to sunlight. When you begin using this medicine:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Stay out of the sun even when the medicine is not on your skin.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
• Apply a sunblock product with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• Apply a sunblock lipstick with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are receiving any UV light treatment or "phototherapy."
• Do not use a sunlamp or a tanning bed or booth.
• If you have a severe reaction to the sun, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause you to be very sick if it is not used correctly. Call a doctor or poison control center immediately if you accidentally swallow this medicine.

Do not use this medicine for a skin problem your doctor has not checked.

Protopic Ointment may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• skin burning, stinging, redness or soreness
• tingling skin
• increased sensitivity of the skin to hot or cold temperatures
• itching
• acne
• swollen or infected hair follicles
• headache
• muscle or back pain
• flu-like symptoms
• stuffy or runny nose
• nausea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swollen glands
• rash
• crusting, oozing, blistering or other signs of skin infection
• cold sores
• chicken pox or other blisters
• swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Protopic Ointment may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

How should you store the Protopic Ointment?

Store tightly closed at room temperature. Do not store this medicine in your car in hot or cold temperatures.

How should you discard the Protopic Ointment?

Do not flush Protopic Ointment down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Do you get a viral infection while on Protopic Ointment?

You may get viral infections more easily, such as chickenpox or herpes (cold sores or shingles).