Tacroz 0.1% Ointment

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm belongs to a class of drugs called ‘immunosuppressants‘ used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and prevent organ rejection after a transplant.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema is a common skin condition associated with inflamed and itchy skin patches. The symptoms include itchy, dry, flaky, swollen, rough and irritated skin. Organ rejection occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it.

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm contains ‘Tacrolimus‘ that works by suppressing the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus. Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Also, Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm suppresses T and B lymphocytes (cells in the immune system) that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.

Use Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Forte XL Ointment 40 gm for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition.

Some people may experience itching, burning sensation, redness, pain, skin tingling, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, increased blood sugar levels, kidney problems, dizziness or stomach pain. Most of these side effects of Forte XL Ointment 40 gm do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are allergic to Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Forte XL Ointment 40 gm. Avoid alcohol consumption with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Drive only if you are alert as Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandage or dressing.  Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm catches fire and burns easily.

Uses 

Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Organ transplant

Medicinal Benefits

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm contains Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Forte XL Ointment 40 gm suppresses the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus.

Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling). Also, Forte XL Ointment 40 gm suppresses T and B lymphocytes (cells in the immune system) that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.

Directions for Use

Wash your hands before and after applying Forte XL Ointment 40 gm. The topical form of Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm can be applied as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area of the skin as prescribed by your doctor. Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm is only for external use.

Please avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth as it may irritate. In case Forte XL Ointment 40 gm comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Take Forte XL Ointment 40 gm on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after a meal.

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm in oral form can be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, chew or crush it. The granules form can be mixed with water just before taking. The injection form of Forte XL Ointment 40 gm is given as an intravenous (into a vein) infusion by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects 

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Pain
• Skin tingling
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Kidney problems
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm. Avoid alcohol consumption with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Drive only if you are alert as Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandage or dressing.  Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm catches fire and burns easily.

Please avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth as it may irritate. Do not shower, bathe or swim immediately after applying Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may wash off Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

In case Forte XL Ointment 40 gm comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Do not swallow Forte XL Ointment 40 gm. In case of accidental swallowing, consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may interact with immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), antibiotics (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, voriconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin), antiemetic (metoclopramide), anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital), antacids (lansoprazole

cimetidine, omeprazole), steroid (cortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone), antivirals (aciclovir), pain reliever (ibuprofen), an antidepressant (nefazodone), anticancer drugs (imatinib, nilotinib), anti-HIV drugs (nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir).

Drug-Food Interaction: Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may interact with St. John’s Wort (a herbal supplement to treat depression) or extracts of Schisandra sphenanthera.

Avoid taking grapefruit and grapefruit juice with Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may cause serious side effects. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may cause flushing (make face or skin feel warm and hot) and increase other adverse effects.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have skin tumours, weakened immune system, infected lesions, cutaneous Graft Versus Host Disease (an immune reaction of the skin in patients who had bone marrow transplant), generalised erythroderma (inflammatory scaling and redness of entire skin), Netherton’s syndrome, lamellar ichthyosis

(extensive scaling of skin), diarrhoea for more than a day, stomach pain with or without symptoms such as nausea, chills, fever or vomiting, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

Safety Advice

• 

  ALCOHOL

  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

  Avoid alcohol consumption with Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

• 

  PREGNANCY

  Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm is Category C pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before using Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

• 

  BREAST FEEDING

  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

  Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may be excreted in human milk and is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

• 

  DRIVING

  Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may cause drowsiness, dizziness or vision problems. Therefore, avoid driving if experience any of these symptoms after taking Forte XL Ointment 40 gm.

• 

  LIVER

  Please consult a doctor if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

• 

  KIDNEY

  Please consult a doctor if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

   

Disease/Condition Glossary

Atopic dermatitis: It is also known as eczema, a common skin condition associated with inflamed and itchy skin patches. It occurs when an overactive immune system responds aggressively to exposed irritants.

It usually affects inner elbows, arms, back of knees or head but can occur anywhere. Eczema is not contagious. Scratching irritates and inflames the skin that may cause infections which must be treated by antibiotics. The symptoms include itchy, dry, flakey, swollen, rough and irritated skin.

Organ rejection: It occurs when a patient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and tries to eliminate it.

FAQs

How does Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm work?

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm contains Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant that works by suppressing the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus. Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling).

Also, Forte XL Ointment 40 gm suppresses T and B lymphocytes (cells in the immune system) that normally attacks foreign invaders and defend the body against foreign cells and infection. Thereby prevents organ rejection in transplanted patients and helps the body in accepting the new organ.

Does Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm cause burning sensation of the skin?

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may cause a burning sensation of the skin at the application site as a temporary side effect. However, if the burning sensation persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.

Does Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm increase the risk of skin cancer?

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sun for long time or artificial light such as tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Can I take shower after applying Forte XL Ointment 40 gm?

You are not recommended to take shower, swim or bath immediately after applying Forte XL Ointment 40 gm as water may wash off ointment form of Tacrolimus.

Does Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm cause vision problems?

Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm may cause changes in colour vision, blurred vision, restriction in the field of vision or difficulty in seeing.

However, if you experience any vision problems while taking Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm, please inform your doctor immediately to adjust the dose appropriately. Regular eye tests are recommended while taking Forte XL Ointment 40 gm to adjust the right dose.

Is Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm flammable in nature?

Forte XL Ointment 40 gm is flammable in nature and can catch fire; hence, avoid smoking or going near naked flames after applying ointment of tacrolimus.

How long should I use Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm?

You are recommended to use Tacroz Forte XL Ointment 40 gm for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen after using Forte XL Ointment 40 gm for 2 weeks, please consult a doctor.