tacrolimus
Dosage Form: ointment
Protopic® (tacrolimus)
Ointment 0.03%
Ointment 0.1%
FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE
Rx Only
Prescribing Information
See boxed WARNING concerning long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors
Protopic Description
Protopic (tacrolimus) Ointment contains tacrolimus, a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by Streptomyces tsukubaensis. It is for topical dermatologic use only. Chemically, tacrolimus is designated as [3S - [3R*[E(1S*,3S*,4S*)],4S*,5R*,8S*,9E,12R*,14R*,15S*,16R*,18S*,19S*,26aR*]] - 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 C44H69NO12•H2O and a formula weight of 822.03. Each gram of Protopic Ointment contains (w/w) either 0.03% or 0.1% of tacrolimus in a base of mineral oil, paraffin, propylene carbonate, white petrolatum and white wax.
Protopic - Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis is not known. While the following have been observed, the clinical significance of these observations in atopic dermatitis is not known. It has been demonstrated that tacrolimus inhibits T-lymphocyte activation by first binding to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12. A complex of tacrolimus-FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin is then formed and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin is inhibited. This effect has been shown to prevent the dephosphorylation and translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT), a nuclear component thought to initiate gene transcription for the formation of lymphokines (such as interleukin-2, gamma interferon). Tacrolimus also inhibits the transcription for genes which encode IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, GM-CSF, and TNF-α, all of which are involved in the early stages of T-cell activation. Additionally, tacrolimus has been shown to inhibit the release of pre-formed mediators from skin mast cells and basophils, and to down regulate the expression of FcεRI on Langerhans cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
The pooled results from three pharmacokinetic studies in 88 adult atopic dermatitis patients indicate that tacrolimus is minimally absorbed after the topical application of Protopic Ointment. Peak tacrolimus blood concentrations ranged from undetectable to 20 ng/mL after single or multiple doses of 0.03% and 0.1% Protopic Ointment, with 85% (75/88) of the patients having peak blood concentrations less than 2 ng/mL. In general as treatment continued, systemic exposure declined as the skin returned to normal. In clinical studies with periodic blood sampling, a similar distribution of tacrolimus blood levels was also observed in adult patients, with 90% (1253/1391) of patients having a blood concentration less than 2 ng/mL.
The absolute bioavailability of tacrolimus from Protopic in atopic dermatitis patients is approximately 0.5%. In adults with an average of 53% BSA treated, exposure (AUC) of tacrolimus from Protopic is approximately 30-fold less than that seen with oral immunosuppressive doses in kidney and liver transplant patients.
Mean peak tacrolimus blood concentrations following oral administration (0.3 mg/kg/day) in adult kidney transplant (n=26) and liver transplant (n=17) patients are 24.2±15.8 ng/mL and 68.5±30.0 ng/mL, respectively. The lowest tacrolimus blood level at which systemic effects (e.g., immunosuppression) can be observed is not known.
Systemic levels of tacrolimus have also been measured in pediatric patients (see Special Populations: Pediatrics).
Distribution
The plasma protein binding of tacrolimus is approximately 99% and is independent of concentration over a range of 5-50 ng/mL. Tacrolimus is bound mainly to albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and has a high level of association with erythrocytes. The distribution of tacrolimus between whole blood and plasma depends on several factors, such as hematocrit, temperature at the time of plasma separation, drug concentration, and plasma protein concentration. In a US study, the ratio of whole blood concentration to plasma concentration averaged 35 (range 12 to 67).
There was no evidence based on blood concentrations that tacrolimus accumulates systemically upon intermittent topical application for periods of up to 1 year. As with other topical calcineurin inhibitors, it is not known whether tacrolimus is distributed into the lymphatic system.
Metabolism
Tacrolimus is extensively metabolized by the mixed-function oxidase system, primarily the cytochrome P-450 system (CYP3A). A metabolic pathway leading to the formation of 8 possible metabolites has been proposed. Demethylation and hydroxylation were identified as the primary mechanisms of biotransformation in vitro. The major metabolite identified in incubations with human liver microsomes is 13-demethyl tacrolimus. In in vitro studies, a 31-demethyl metabolite has been reported to have the same activity as tacrolimus.
Excretion
The mean clearance following IV administration of tacrolimus is 0.040, 0.083 and 0.053 L/hr/kg in healthy volunteers, adult kidney transplant patients and adult liver transplant patients, respectively. In man, less than 1% of the dose administered is excreted unchanged in urine.
In a mass balance study of IV administered radiolabeled tacrolimus to 6 healthy volunteers, the mean recovery of radiolabel was 77.8 ± 12.7%. Fecal elimination accounted for 92.4 ± 1.0% and the elimination half-life based on radioactivity was 48.1 ± 15.9 hours whereas it was 43.5 ± 11.6 hours based on tacrolimus concentrations. The mean clearance of radiolabel was 0.029 ± 0.015 L/hr/kg and clearance of tacrolimus was 0.029 ± 0.009 L/hr/kg.
When administered PO, the mean recovery of the radiolabel was 94.9 ± 30.7%. Fecal elimination accounted for 92.6 ± 30.7%, urinary elimination accounted for 2.3 ± 1.1% and the elimination half-life based on radioactivity was 31.9 ± 10.5 hours whereas it was 48.4 ± 12.3 hours based on tacrolimus concentrations. The mean clearance of radiolabel was 0.226 ± 0.116 L/hr/kg and clearance of tacrolimus 0.172 ± 0.088 L/hr/kg.
Special Populations
Pediatrics
In a pharmacokinetic study of 14 pediatric atopic dermatitis patients, between the ages of 2-5 years, peak blood concentrations of tacrolimus ranged from undetectable to 14.8 ng/mL after single or multiple doses of 0.03% Protopic Ointment, with 86% (12/14) of patients having peak blood concentrations below 2 ng/mL throughout the study.
The highest peak concentration was observed in one patient with 82% BSA involvement on day 1 following application of 0.03% Protopic Ointment. The peak concentrations for this subject were 14.8 ng/mL on day 1 and 4.1 ng/mL on day 14. Mean peak tacrolimus blood concentrations following oral administration in pediatric liver transplant patients (n = 9) were 48.4± 27.9 ng/mL.
In a similar pharmacokinetic study with 61 enrolled pediatric patients (ages 6 -12 years) with atopic dermatitis, peak tacrolimus blood concentrations ranged from undetectable to 5.3 ng/mL after single or multiple doses of 0.1% Protopic Ointment, with 91% (52/57) of evaluable patients having peak blood concentrations below 2 ng/mL throughout the study period. When detected, systemic exposure generally declined as treatment continued.
In clinical studies with periodic blood sampling, a similar distribution of tacrolimus blood levels was also observed, with 98% (509/522) of pediatric patients having a blood concentration below 2 ng/mL.
Renal Insufficiency
The effect of renal insufficiency on the pharmacokinetics of topically administered tacrolimus has not been evaluated. The mean clearance of IV administered tacrolimus in patients with renal dysfunction was similar to that of normal volunteers. On the basis of this information dose-adjustment is not expected to be needed.
Hepatic Insufficiency
The effect of hepatic insufficiency on the pharmacokinetics of topically administered tacrolimus has not been evaluated but dose-adjustment is not expected to be needed.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Three randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multi-center, phase 3 studies were conducted to evaluate Protopic Ointment for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. One (Pediatric) study included 351 patients 2-15 years of age, and the other two (Adult) studies included a total of 632 patients 15-79 years of age. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the patients were women and 27% were black. At baseline, 58% of the patients had severe disease and the mean body surface area (BSA) affected was 46%. Over 80% of patients had atopic dermatitis affecting the face and/or neck region. In these studies, patients applied either Protopic Ointment 0.03%, Protopic Ointment 0.1%, or vehicle ointment twice daily to 10% - 100% of their BSA for up to 12 weeks.
In the pediatric study, a significantly greater (p < 0.001) percentage of patients achieved at least 90% improvement based on the physician’s global evaluation of clinical response (the pre-defined primary efficacy endpoint) in the Protopic Ointment 0.03% treatment group compared to the vehicle treatment group, but there was insufficient evidence that Protopic Ointment 0.1% provided more efficacy than Protopic Ointment 0.03%.
In both adult studies, a significantly greater (p < 0.001) percentage of patients achieved at least 90% improvement based on the physician’s global evaluation of clinical response in the Protopic Ointment 0.03% and Protopic Ointment 0.1% treatment groups compared to the vehicle treatment group. There was evidence that Protopic Ointment 0.1% may provide more efficacy than Protopic Ointment 0.03%. The difference in efficacy between Protopic Ointment 0.1% and 0.03% was particularly evident in adult patients with severe disease at baseline, adults with extensive BSA involvement, and black adults. Response rates for each treatment group are shown below by age groups. Because the two adult studies were identically designed, the results from these studies were pooled in this table.
Physician’s Global Evaluation of Clinical Response (% Improvement) | Pediatric Study (2-15 Years of Age) | Adult Studies | |||
Vehicle Ointment N = 116 | Protopic Ointment 0.03% N = 117 | Vehicle Ointment N = 212 | Protopic Ointment 0.03% N = 211 | Protopic Ointment 0.1% N = 209 | |
| 100% | 4 (3%) | 14 (12%) | 2 (1%) | 21 (10%) | 20 (10%) |
| ≥ 90% | 8 (7%) | 42 (36%) | 14 (7%) | 58 (28%) | 77 (37%) |
| ≥ 75% | 18 (16%) | 65 (56%) | 30 (14%) | 97 (46%) | 117 (56%) |
| ≥ 50% | 31 (27%) | 85 (73%) | 42 (20%) | 130 (62%) | 152 (73%) |
A statistically significant difference in the percentage of adult patients with ≥ 90% improvement was achieved by week 1 for those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.1%, and by week 3 for those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.03%. A statistically significant difference in the percentage of pediatric patients with ≥ 90% improvement was achieved by week 2 for those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.03%.
In adult patients who had achieved ≥ 90% improvement at the end of treatment, 35% of those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.03% and 41% of those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.1%, regressed from this state of improvement at 2 weeks after end-of-treatment. In pediatric patients who had achieved ≥ 90% improvement, 54% of those treated with Protopic Ointment 0.03% regressed from this state of improvement at 2 weeks after end-of-treatment. Because patients were not followed for longer than 2 weeks after end-of-treatment, it is not known how many additional patients regressed at periods longer than 2 weeks after cessation of therapy.
In both Protopic Ointment treatment groups in adults and in the Protopic Ointment 0.03% treatment group in pediatric patients, a significantly greater improvement compared to vehicle (p < 0.001) was observed in the secondary efficacy endpoints of percent body surface area involved, patient evaluation of pruritus, erythema, edema, excoriation, oozing, scaling, and lichenification. The following two graphs depict the time course of improvement in the percent body surface area affected in adult and in pediatric patients as a result of treatment.
Figure 1 - Adult Patients Body Surface Area Over Time
Figure 2 – Pediatric Patients Body Surface Area Over Time
The following two graphs depict the time course of improvement in erythema in adult and in pediatric patients as a result of treatment.
Figure 3 - Adult Patients Mean Erythema Over Time
Figure 4 - Pediatric Patients Mean Erythema Over Time
The time course of improvement in the remaining secondary efficacy variables was similar to that of erythema, with improvement in lichenification slightly slower.
Indications and Usage for Protopic
Protopic 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.
Protopic Ointment is not indicated for children younger than 2 years of age (see boxed WARNING, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
Contraindications
Protopic (tacrolimus) Ointment is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any other component of the ointment.
Warnings
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 Protopic Ointment.
Therefore:
- Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Protopic Ointment, in any age group should be avoided, and application limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis.
- Protopic Ointment is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age. Only 0.03% Protopic Ointment is indicated for use in children 2-15 years of age.
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 Protopic 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 Protopic Ointment. Therefore:
- Protopic 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 Protopic Ointment has not been established beyond one year of non-continuous use.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, boxed WARNING, INDICATIONS AND USAGE, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Precautions
General
The use of Protopic Ointment should be avoided on pre-malignant and malignant skin conditions. Some malignant skin conditions, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), may mimic atopic dermatitis.
The use of tacrolimus ointment is not recommended in patients having skin conditions with a skin barrier defect where there is the potential for increased systemic absorption of tacrolimus, including but not limited to, Netherton's syndrome, lamellar ichthyosis, generalized erthroderma or cutaneous Graft Versus Host Disease. Oral application is also not recommended. Post-marketing cases of increased tacrolimus blood level have been reported in these conditions.
The use of Protopic Ointment may cause local symptoms such as skin burning (burning sensation, stinging, soreness) or pruritus. Localized symptoms are most common during the first few days of Protopic Ointment application and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis resolve. With Protopic Ointment 0.1%, 90% of the skin burning events had a duration between 2 minutes and 3 hours (median 15 minutes). 90% of the pruritus events had a duration between 3 minutes and 10 hours (median 20 minutes) (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
Bacterial and Viral Skin Infections
Before commencing treatment with Protopic Ointment, cutaneous bacterial or viral infections at treatment sites should be resolved. Studies have not evaluated the safety and efficacy of Protopic Ointment in the treatment of clinically infected atopic dermatitis.
While patients with atopic dermatitis are predisposed to superficial skin infections including eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption), treatment with Protopic Ointment may be independently associated with an increased risk of varicella zoster virus infection (chicken pox or shingles), herpes simplex virus infection, or eczema herpeticum.
Patients with Lymphadenopathy
In clinical studies, 112/13494 (0.8%) cases of lymphadenopathy were reported and were usually related to infections (particularly of the skin) and noted to resolve upon appropriate antibiotic therapy. Of these 112 cases, the majority had either a clear etiology or were known to resolve. Transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens (e.g., systemic tacrolimus) are at increased risk for developing lymphoma; therefore, patients who receive Protopic Ointment and who develop lymphadenopathy should have the etiology of their lymphadenopathy investigated. In the absence of a clear etiology for the lymphadenopathy, or in the presence of acute infectious mononucleosis, Protopic Ointment should be discontinued. Patients who develop lymphadenopathy should be monitored to ensure that the lymphadenopathy resolves.
Sun Exposure
During the course of treatment, patients should minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight exposure, even while Protopic is not on the skin. It is not known whether Protopic Ointment interferes with skin response to ultraviolet damage.
Immunocompromised Patients
The safety and efficacy of Protopic Ointment in immunocompromised patients have not been studied.
Renal Insufficiency
Rare post-marketing cases of acute renal failure have been reported in patients treated with Protopic Ointment. Systemic absorption is more likely to occur in patients with epidermal barrier defects especially when Protopic is applied to large body surface areas. Caution should also be exercised in patients predisposed to renal impairment.
Information for Patients
(See Medication Guide)
Patients using Protopic Ointment should receive and understand the information in the Medication Guide. Please refer to the Medication Guide for providing instruction and information to the patient.
What is the most important information patients should know about Protopic Ointment?
The safety of using Protopic Ointment for a long period of time is not known. A very small number of people who have used Protopic Ointment have had cancer (for example, skin or lymphoma). However, a link with Protopic Ointment has not been shown. Because of this concern, instruct patients:
- Do not use Protopic Ointment continuously for a long time.
- Use Protopic Ointment only on areas of skin that have eczema.
- Do not use Protopic Ointment on a child under 2 years old.
Protopic Ointment comes in two strengths:
- Only Protopic Ointment 0.03% is for use on children aged 2 to 15 years.
- Either Protopic Ointment 0.03% or 0.1% can be used by adults and children 16 years and older.
Advise patients to talk to their prescriber for more information.
How should Protopic Ointment be used?
Advise patients to:
- Use Protopic Ointment exactly as prescribed.
- Use Protopic Ointment only on areas of skin that have eczema.
- Use Protopic Ointment for short periods, and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.
- Stop Protopic Ointment when the signs and symptoms of eczema, such as itching, rash, and redness go away, or as directed.
- Follow their doctor’s advice if symptoms of eczema return after treatment with Protopic Ointment.
- Call their doctor if:
- Their symptoms get worse with Protopic Ointment.
- They get an infection on their skin.
- Their symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment. Sometimes other skin diseases can look like eczema.
To apply Protopic Ointment:
Advise patients:
- Wash their hands before applying Protopic.
- Apply a thin layer of Protopic Ointment twice daily to the areas of skin affected by eczema.
- Use the smallest amount of Protopic Ointment needed to control the signs and symptoms of eczema.
- If they are a caregiver applying Protopic Ointment to a patient, or if they are a patient who is not treating their hands, wash their hands with soap and water after applying Protopic. This should remove any ointment left on the hands.
- Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Protopic. This could wash off the ointment.
- Moisturizers can be used with Protopic Ointment. Make sure they check with their doctor first about the products that are right for them. Because the skin of patients with eczema can be very dry, it is important to keep up good skin care practices. If they use moisturizers, apply them after Protopic Ointment.
What should patients avoid while using Protopic Ointment?
Advise patients:
- Do not use ultraviolet light therapy, sun lamps, or tanning beds during treatment with Protopic Ointment.
- Limit sun exposure during treatment with Protopic Ointment even when the medicine is not on their skin. If patients need to be outdoors after applying Protopic Ointment, wear loose fitting clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Doctors should advise what other types of protection from the sun patients should use.
- Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages, dressings or wraps. Patients can wear normal clothing.
- Avoid getting Protopic Ointment in the eyes or mouth. Do not swallow Protopic Ointment. Patients should call their doctor if they swallow Protopic Ointment.
Drug Interactions
Formal topical drug interaction studies with Protopic Ointment have not been conducted. Based on its extent of absorption, interactions of Protopic 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.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No evidence of genotoxicity was seen in bacterial (Salmonella and E. coli) or mammalian (Chinese hamster lung-derived cells) in vitro assays of mutagenicity, the in vitro CHO/HGPRT assay of mutagenicity, or in vivo clastogenicity assays performed in mice. Tacrolimus did not cause unscheduled DNA synthesis in rodent hepatocytes.
Oral (feed) carcinogenicity studies have been carried out with systemically administered tacrolimus in male and female rats and mice. In the 80-week mouse study and in the 104-week rat study no relationship of tumor incidence to tacrolimus dosage was found at daily doses up to 3 mg/kg [9X the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) based on AUC comparisons] and 5 mg/kg (3X the MRHD based on AUC comparisons), respectively.
A 104-week dermal carcinogenicity study was performed in mice with tacrolimus ointment (0.03% - 3%), equivalent to tacrolimus doses of 1.1-118 mg/kg/day or 3.3-354 mg/m2/day. In the study, the incidence of skin tumors was minimal and the topical application of tacrolimus was not associated with skin tumor formation under ambient room lighting. However, a statistically significant elevation in the incidence of pleomorphic lymphoma in high dose male (25/50) and female animals (27/50) and in the incidence of undifferentiated lymphoma in high dose female animals (13/50) was noted in the mouse dermal carcinogenicity study. Lymphomas were noted in the mouse dermal carcinogenicity study at a daily dose of 3.5 mg/kg (0.1% tacrolimus ointment) (26X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). No drug-related tumors were noted in the mouse dermal carcinogenicity study at a daily dose of 1.1 mg/kg (0.03% tacrolimus ointment) (10X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
In a 52-week photocarcinogenicity study, the median time to onset of skin tumor formation was decreased in hairless mice following chronic topical dosing with concurrent exposure to UV radiation (40 weeks of treatment followed by 12 weeks of observation) with tacrolimus ointment at ≥0.1% tacrolimus.
Reproductive toxicology studies were not performed with topical tacrolimus. In studies of oral tacrolimus no impairment of fertility was seen in male and female rats. Tacrolimus, given orally at 1.0 mg/kg (0.12X MRHD based on body surface area [BSA]) to male and female rats, prior to and during mating, as well as to dams during gestation and lactation, was associated with embryolethality and with adverse effects on female reproduction. Effects on female reproductive function (parturition) and embryolethal effects were indicated by a higher rate of pre-implantation loss and increased numbers of undelivered and nonviable pups. When given at 3.2 mg/kg (0.43X MRHD based on BSA), tacrolimus was associated with maternal and paternal toxicity as well as reproductive toxicity including marked adverse effects on estrus cycles, parturition, pup viability, and pup malformations.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered tacrolimus in pregnant women. The experience with Protopic 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-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-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. Protopic 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 Protopic 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.
Pediatric Use
Protopic Ointment is not indicated for children less than 2 years of age.
Only the lower concentration, 0.03%, of Protopic Ointment is recommended for use as a second-line therapy for short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised children 2 to 15 years of age who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments for atopic dermatitis, or when those treatments are not advisable.
The long-term safety and effects of Protopic Ointment on the developing immune system are unknown (see boxed WARNING, WARNINGS and INDICATIONS and USAGE).
Four studies were conducted involving a total of about 4,400 patients 2-15 years of age: one 12-week randomized vehicle-controlled study and three open-label safety studies of one to three years duration. About 2,500 of these patients were 2 to 6 years of age.
The most common adverse events from these studies associated with Protopic Ointment application in pediatric patients were skin burning and pruritus (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). In addition to skin burning and pruritus, the less common events (< 5%) of varicella zoster (mostly chicken pox), and vesiculobullous rash were more frequent in patients treated with Protopic Ointment 0.03% compared to vehicle. In the open-label safety studies, the incidence of adverse events, including infections, did not increase with increased duration of study drug exposure or amount of ointment used. In about 4,400 pediatric patients treated with Protopic Ointment, 24 (0.5%) were reported with eczema herpeticum. Since the safety and efficacy of Protopic Ointment have not been established in pediatric patients below 2 years of age, its use in this age group is not recommended.
In an open-label study, immune response to a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was assessed in 23 children 2 to 12 years old with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis treated with tacrolimus ointment 0.03%. Protective antibody titers developed in all patients. Similarly, in a seven-month, double-blind trial, the vaccination response to meningococcal serogroup C was equivalent in children 2 to 11 years old with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis treated with tacrolimus ointment 0.03% (n=121), a hydrocortisone ointment regimen (n=111), or normal children (n=44).
Geriatric Use
Four hundred and four (404) patients ≥ 65 years old received Protopic Ointment in phase 3 studies. The adverse event profile for these patients was consistent with that for other adult patients.
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 Protopic Ointment. The duration of follow-up for adult and pediatric patients in the safety studies is tabulated below.
| 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, Protopic Ointment 0.03%, and Protopic 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.
| ||||||||
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 | |||
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