It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Your doctor will want to make sure the tacrolimus ointment is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Report any adverse reactions or side effects to your doctor.

Use PROTOPIC only for the condition for which it was prescribed by your doctor.

Tacrolimus ointment may increase the risk of skin tumors, when patients are also exposed to sunlight. The association between topical tacrolimus and the incidence of skin tumors has not been proven. When you begin taking PROTOPIC:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
• Apply a sun block product that has 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 health care professional.
• Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

• More common
  • Skin flushing in areas of ointment application when drinking alcohol;  cough;  loss of appetite;  general aches and pains;  sneezing;  weakness;  skin burning;  itching skin–in children;  headache;  fever 
  
  

• Less common
  • Watery eyes;  troubled breathing or wheezing ;  severe skin rash or hives;  flushing;  chills;  runny nose;  increased sensitivity to sunlight;  joint pain;  swollen glands;  acne;  back pain;  redness in eye;  pain in eye;  swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid;  itching eyes;  cyst ;  acid or sour stomach;  belching;  heartburn;  indigestion;  stomach discomfort, upset, or pain;  skin blisters—in children;  burning, itching, or pain in hairy areas ;  pus at root of hair;  increased skin sensitivity;  muscle aches or pain ;  rash;  stuffy nose;  skin tingling;  pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones;  tightness of chest 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.