Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1%
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Tacrolimus
- Brand Names
- Tacrolimus
- Route
- TOPICAL
- Dosage Form
- OINTMENT
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)
WARNING Long-term Safety of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Has Not Been Established Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus ointment. Therefore:
Description
DESCRIPTION Tacrolimus ointment contains tacrolimus, a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by Streptomyces tsukubaensis . It is for topical dermatologic use only. Chemically, tacrolimus is designated as [3 S -[3 R *[ E (1 S *,3 S *,4 S *)],4 S *,5 R *,8 S *,9 E ,12 R *,14 R *,15 S *,16 R *,18 S *,19 S *, 26a R *]]-5,6,8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,24,25,26,26a-hexadecahydro-5,19-dihydroxy-3-[2-(4-hydroxy-3- methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylethenyl]-14,16-dimethoxy-4,10,12,18-tetramethyl-8-(2-propenyl)-15,19- epoxy-3H-pyrido[2,1- c ][1,4] oxaazacyclotricosine-1,7,20,21(4H,23H)-tetrone, monohydrate. It has the following structural formula: Tacrolimus has an empirical formula of C 44 H 69 NO 12
What Is Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1% Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tacrolimus ointment, both 0.03% and 0.1% for adults, and only 0.03% for children aged 2 to 15 years, is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments for atopic dermatitis, or when those treatments are not advisable. Tacrolimus ointment is not indicated for children younger than 2 years of age (see boxed WARNING , WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS : Pediatric Use ).
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ADULT Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% Apply a thin layer of tacrolimus ointment to the affected skin twice daily. The minimum amount should be rubbed in gently and completely to control signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Stop using when signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis resolve. If signs and symptoms (e.g. itch, rash, and redness) do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus ointment should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis. The safety of tacrolimus ointment under occlusion, which may promote systemic exposure, has not been evaluated. Tacrolimus ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS No phototoxicity and no photoallergenicity were detected in clinical studies with 12 and 216 normal volunteers, respectively. One out of 198 normal volunteers showed evidence of sensitization in a contact sensitization study. In three 12 week randomized vehicle-controlled studies and four safety studies, 655 and 9,163 patients respectively, were treated with tacrolimus ointment. The duration of follow-up for adult and pediatric patients in the safety studies is tabulated below. Duration of Follow-up in Four Open-label Safety Studies Time on Study Adult Pediatrics Total < 1 year 4682 4481 9163 ≥ 1 year 1185 1349 2534 ≥ 2 years 200 275 475 ≥ 3 years 118 182 300 The following table depicts the adjusted incidence of adverse events pooled across the 3 identically designed 12-week controlled studies for patients in vehicle, tacrolimus ointment 0.03%, and tacrolimus ointment 0.1% treatment groups. The table also depicts the unadjusted incidence of adverse events in four safety studies, regardless of relationship to study drug. Incidence of Treatment Emergent Adverse Events 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Studies 12-Week Adjusted Incidence Rate (%) Open-Label Studies (up to 3 years) 0.1% and 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment Incidence Rate (%) Adult Pediatric Adult Pediatric Total Vehicle (n=212) % 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment (n=210) % 0.1% Tacrolimus ointment (n=209) % Vehicle (n=116) % 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment (n=118) % (n=4682) % (n=4481) % (n=9163) % Skin Burning* 26 46 58 29 43 28 20 24 Pruritus* 37 46 46 27 41 25 19 22 Flu-like symptoms* 19 23 31 25 28 22 34 28 Allergic Reaction 8 12 6 8 4 9 13 11 Skin Erythema 20 25 28 13 12 12 7 9 Headache* 11 20 19 8 5 13 9 11 Skin Infection 11 12 5 14 10 9 16 12 Fever 4 4 1 13 21 2 14 8 Infection 1 1 2 9 7 6 10 8 Cough Increased 2 1 1 14 18 3 10 6 Asthma 4 6 4 6 6 4 13 8 Herpes Simplex 4 4 4 2 0 4 3 3 Eczema Herpeticum 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 Pharyngitis 3 3 4 11 6 4 12 8 Accidental Injury 4 3 6 3 6 6 8 7 Pustular Rash 2 3 4 3 2 2 7 5 Folliculitis* 1 6 4 0 2 4 2 3 Rhinitis 4 3 2 2 6 2 4 3 Otitis Media 4 0 1 6 12 2 11 6 Sinusitis* 1 4 2 8 3 6 7 6 Diarrhea 3 3 4 2 5 2 4 3 Urticaria 3 3 6 1 1 3 4 4 Lack of Drug Effect 1 1 0 1 1 6 6 6 Bronchitis 0 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 Vomiting 0 1 1 7 6 1 4 3 Maculopapular Rash 2 2 2 3 0 2 1 1 Rash* 1 5 2 4 2 2 3 3 Abdominal Pain 3 1 1 2 3 1 3 2 Fungal Dermatitis 0 2 1 3 0 2 4 3 Gastroenteritis 1 2 2 3 0 2 4 3 Alcohol Intolerance* 0 3 7 0 0 4 0 2 Acne* 2 4 7 1 0 3 2 3 Sunburn 1 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 Skin Disorder 2 2 1 1 4 2 2 2 Conjunctivitis 0 2 2 2 1 3 3 3 Pain 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 2 Vesiculobullous Rash* 3 3 2 0 4 2 1 1 Lymphadenopathy 2 2 1 0 3 1 2 1 Nausea 4 3 2 0 1 2 1 2 Skin Tingling* 2 3 8 1 2 2 1 1 Face Edema 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 Dyspepsia* 1 1 4 0 0 2 2 2 Dry Skin 7 3 3 0 1 1 1 1 Hyperesthesia* 1 3 7 0 0 2 0 1 Skin Neoplasm Benign† 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 Back Pain* 0 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 Peripheral Edema 2 4 3 0 0 2 0 1 Varicella Zoster/Herpes Zoster*‡ 0 1 0 0 5 1 2 2 Contact Dermatitis 1 3 3 3 4 2 2 2 Asthenia 1 2 3 0 0 1 0 1 Pneumonia 0 1 1 2 0 1 3 2 Eczema 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 Insomnia 3 4 3 1 1 2 0 1 Exfoliative Dermatitis 3 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 Dysmenorrhea 2 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 Periodontal Abscess 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 Myalgia* 0 3 2 0 0 2 1 1 Cyst* 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 Cellulitis 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 Exacerbation of Untreated Area 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 Procedural Complication 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 Hypertension 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 Tooth Disorder 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 Arthralgia 1 1 3 2 0 2 1 2 Depression 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 Paresthesia 1 3 3 0 0 2 1 2 Alopecia 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 Urinary Tract Infection 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 Ear Pain 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 * May be reasonably associated with the use of this drug product † Generally “warts”. ‡ All the herpes zoster cases in the pediatric 12- week study and the majority of cases in the open- label pediatric studies were reported as chicken pox. Other adverse events which occurred at an incidence between 0.2% and less than 1% in clinical studies in the above table include: abnormal vision, abscess,...
Warnings and Precautions
Prolonged systemic use of calcineurin inhibitors for sustained immunosuppression in animal studies and transplant patients following systemic administration has been associated with an increased risk of infections, lymphomas, and skin malignancies. These risks are associated with the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. Based on the information above and the mechanism of action, there is a concern about potential risk with the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus ointment. While a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of skin malignancy and lymphoma have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus ointment. Therefore: Tacrolimus ointment should not be used in immunocompromised adults and children. If signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re- examined by their healthcare provider and their diagnosis be confirmed (see PRECAUTIONS : General ). The safety of tacrolimus ointment has not been established beyond one year of non-continuous use. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , boxed WARNING , INDICATIONS AND USAGE , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions Formal topical drug interaction studies with tacrolimus ointment have not been conducted. Based on its extent of absorption, interactions of tacrolimus ointment with systemically administered drugs are unlikely to occur but cannot be ruled out (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). The concomitant administration of known CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients with widespread and/or erythrodermic disease should be done with caution. Some examples of such drugs are erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers and cimetidine.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Tacrolimus ointment is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any other component of the ointment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered tacrolimus in pregnant women. The experience with tacrolimus ointment when used by pregnant women is too limited to permit assessment of the safety of its use during pregnancy. Reproduction studies were carried out with systemically administered tacrolimus in rats and rabbits. Adverse effects on the fetus were observed mainly at oral dose levels that were toxic to dams. Tacrolimus at oral doses of 0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg (0.04X to 0.12X MRHD based on BSA) during organogenesis in rabbits was associated with maternal toxicity as well as an increase in incidence of abortions. At the higher dose only, an increased incidence of malformations and developmental variations was also seen. Tacrolimus, at oral doses of 3.2 mg/kg during organogenesis in rats, was associated with maternal toxicity and caused an increase in late resorptions, decreased numbers of live births, and decreased pup weight and viability. Tacrolimus, given orally at 1.0 and 3.2 mg/kg (0.04X to 0.12X MRHD based on BSA) to pregnant rats after organogenesis and during lactation, was associated with reduced pup weights. No reduction in male or female fertility was evident. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of systemically administered tacrolimus in pregnant women. Tacrolimus is transferred across the placenta. The use of systemically administered tacrolimus during pregnancy has been associated with neonatal hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction. Tacrolimus ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies a potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers Although systemic absorption of tacrolimus following topical applications of tacrolimus ointment is minimal relative to systemic administration, it is known that tacrolimus is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from tacrolimus, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Tacrolimus ointment is not for oral use. Oral ingestion of tacrolimus ointment may lead to adverse effects associated with systemic administration of tacrolimus. If oral ingestion occurs, medical advice should be sought.
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% is supplied in the following tube sizes: Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1% NDC21922-011-05 30 gram laminate tube NDC21922-011-07 60 gram laminate tube NDC21922-011-09 100 gram laminate tube Store at room temperature 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Manufactured by: Encube Ethicals Pvt Ltd. Plot No. C1, Madkaim Industrial Estate, Madkaim, Post: Mardol, Ponda, Goa-403 404, India. Distributed by: Encube Ethicals, Inc. 200 Meredith Drive, Suite 202 Durham, NC 27713 USA Rev: 10/23
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.