Tecum 0.1% Ointment (Tacrolimus)

About Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm

Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 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.

Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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, Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1 Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm. Avoid alcohol consumption with Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Drive only if you are alert as Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm catches fire and burns easily.

Uses of Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm

Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Organ transplant

Medicinal Benefits

Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm contains Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and prevent organ rejection after a transplant.  Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm suppresses the over-reaction of immune cells in the skin to a stimulus. Thereby, reduces allergic reaction and inflammation (redness and swelling). Also, Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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.

Dosage

Tecum 0.1% Lotion
Tecum 0.1% Ointment

Directions for Use

Wash your hands before and after applying Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm. The topical form of Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 gm can be applied as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area of the skin as prescribed by your doctor. Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm is only for external use. Please avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth as it may irritate. In case Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Take Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after a meal. Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 of Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm

• 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 Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 gm. Avoid alcohol consumption with Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Drive only if you are alert as Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1 % Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm as it may wash off Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm. In case Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Do not swallow Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm. In case of accidental swallowing, consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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: Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm as it may cause serious side effects. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol with Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 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 Tecum 0.1% Ointment 10 gm.